Polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded thereby, and methods of using same for increasing abiotic stress tolerance and/or biomass and/or yield in plants expressing same

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods of increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, and/or increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant. The methods are effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663. Also provided are polynucleotides, nucleic acid constructs, polypeptides and transgenic plants expressing same which can be used to increase tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, and/or increase biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to isolatedpolypeptides and polynucleotides and more particularly, but notexclusively, to methods of using same for increasing tolerance of aplant to abiotic stress, growth, biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Abiotic stress (ABS; also referred to as “environmental stress”)conditions such as salinity, drought, flood, suboptimal temperature andtoxic chemical pollution, cause substantial damage to agriculturalplants. Most plants have evolved strategies to protect themselvesagainst these conditions. However, if the severity and duration of thestress conditions are too great, the effects on plant development,growth and yield are profound. Furthermore, most of the crop plants arehighly susceptible to ABS and thus necessitate optimal growth conditionsfor commercial crop yields. Continuous exposure to stress causes majoralterations in plant's metabolism which ultimately leads to cell deathand consequently yield loss. Thus, despite extensive research andintensive crop-protection measures, losses due to abiotic stressconditions remain in the billions of dollars annually.

Drought is a gradual phenomenon, which involves periods of abnormallydry weather that persists long enough to produce serious hydrologicimbalances such as crop damage and water supply shortage. In severecases, drought can last many years and result in devastating effects onagriculture and water supplies. With burgeoning population and chronicshortage of available fresh water, drought is not only the number oneweather-related problem in agriculture, but it also ranks as one of themajor natural disasters of all time, causing not only economic damage(e.g., losses from the US drought of 1988 exceeded $40 billion), butalso loss of human lives, as in the 1984-1985 drought in the Horn ofAfrica which led to a famine that killed 750,000 people. Furthermore,drought is associated with increase susceptibility to various diseases.

For most crop plants, the land regions of the world are too arid. Inaddition, overuse of available water results in increased loss ofagriculturally-usable land (desertification), and increase of saltaccumulation in soils adds to the loss of available water in soils.

Salinity, high salt levels, affects one in five hectares of irrigatedland. This condition is only expected to worsen, further reducing theavailability of arable land and crop production, since none of the topfive food crops, i.e., wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, and soybean, cantolerate excessive salt. Detrimental effects of salt on plants resultfrom both water deficit which leads to osmotic stress (similar todrought stress) and the effect of excess sodium ions on criticalbiochemical processes. As with freezing and drought, high salt causeswater deficit; and the presence of high salt makes it difficult forplant roots to extract water from their environment. Soil salinity isthus one of the more important variables that determine whether a plantmay thrive. In many parts of the world, sizable land areas areuncultivable due to naturally high soil salinity. Thus, salination ofsoils that are used for agricultural production is a significant andincreasing problem in regions that rely heavily on agriculture, and isworsen by over-utilization, over-fertilization and water shortage,typically caused by climatic change and the demands of increasingpopulation. Salt tolerance is of particular importance early in aplant's lifecycle, since evaporation from the soil surface causes upwardwater movement, and salt accumulates in the upper soil layer where theseeds are placed. On the other hand, germination normally takes place ata salt concentration which is higher than the mean salt level in thewhole soil profile.

Germination of many crops is sensitive to temperature. A gene that wouldenhance germination in hot conditions would be useful for crops that areplanted late in the season or in hot climates. In addition, seedlingsand mature plants that are exposed to excess heat may experience heatshock, which may arise in various organs, including leaves andparticularly fruit, when transpiration is insufficient to overcome heatstress. Heat also damages cellular structures, including organelles andcytoskeleton, and impairs membrane function. Heat shock may produce adecrease in overall protein synthesis, accompanied by expression of heatshock proteins, e.g., chaperones, which are involved in refoldingproteins denatured by heat.

Heat stress often accompanies conditions of low water availability. Heatitself is seen as an interacting stress and adds to the detrimentaleffects caused by water deficit conditions. Water Evaporative demandexhibits near exponential increases with increases in daytimetemperatures and can result in high transpiration rates and low plantwater potentials. High-temperature damage to pollen almost always occursin conjunction with drought stress, and rarely occurs under well-wateredconditions. Combined stress can alter plant metabolism in novel ways;therefore understanding the interaction between different stresses maybe important for the development of strategies to enhance stresstolerance by genetic manipulation.

Excessive chilling conditions, e.g., low, but above freezing,temperatures affect crops of tropical origins, such as soybean, rice,maize, and cotton. Typical chilling damage includes wilting, necrosis,chlorosis or leakage of ions from cell membranes. The underlyingmechanisms of chilling sensitivity are not completely understood yet,but probably involve the level of membrane saturation and otherphysiological deficiencies. For example, photoinhibition ofphotosynthesis (disruption of photosynthesis due to high lightintensities) often occurs under clear atmospheric conditions subsequentto cold late summer/autumn nights. In addition, chilling may lead toyield losses and lower product quality through the delayed ripening ofmaize.

Water deficit is a common component of many plant stresses. Waterdeficit occurs in plant cells when the whole plant transpiration rateexceeds the water uptake. In addition to drought, other stresses, suchas salinity and low temperature, produce cellular dehydration.

Salt and drought stress signal transduction consist of ionic and osmotichomeostasis signaling pathways. The ionic aspect of salt stress issignaled via the SOS pathway where a calcium-responsive SOS3-SOS2protein kinase complex controls the expression and activity of iontransporters such as SOS1. The osmotic component of salt stress involvescomplex plant reactions that overlap with drought and/or cold stressresponses.

Common aspects of drought, cold and salt stress response [Reviewed inXiong and Zhu (2002) Plant Cell Environ. 25: 131-139] include: (a)transient changes in the cytoplasmic calcium levels early in thesignaling event [Knight, (2000) Int. Rev. Cytol. 195: 269-324; Sanderset al. (1999) Plant Cell 11: 691-706]; (b) signal transduction viamitogen-activated and/or calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) andprotein phosphatases [Merlot et al. (2001) Plant J. 25: 295-303;Tahtiharju and Palva (2001) Plant J. 26: 461-470]; (c) increases inabscisic acid levels in response to stress triggering a subset ofresponses; (d) inositol phosphates as signal molecules (at least for asubset of the stress responsive transcriptional changes [Xiong et al.(2001) Genes Dev. 15: 1971-1984]; (e) activation of phospholipases whichin turn generates a diverse array of second messenger molecules, some ofwhich might regulate the activity of stress responsive kinases [e.g.,phospholipase D; Frank et al. (2000) Plant Cell 12: 111-124]; (f)induction of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) type genes including theCRT/DRE responsive COR/RD genes; (g) increased levels of antioxidantsand compatible osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugars [Hasegawa etal. (2000) Annu Rev. Plant Mol. Plant Physiol. 51: 463-499)]; and (h)accumulation of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogenperoxide, and hydroxyl radicals.

Abscisic acid biosynthesis is regulated by osmotic stress at multiplesteps. Both ABA-dependent and -independent osmotic stress signalingfirst modify constitutively expressed transcription factors, leading tothe expression of early response transcriptional activators, which thenactivate downstream stress tolerance effector genes.

Several genes which increase tolerance to cold or salt stress can alsoimprove drought stress protection, these include for example, thetranscription factor AtCBF/DREB1, OsCDPK7 (Saijo et al. 2000, Plant J.23: 319-327) or AVP1 (a vacuolar pyrophosphatase-proton pump, Gaxiola etal. 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98: 11444-11449).

Developing stress-tolerant plants is a strategy that has the potentialto solve or mediate at least some of these problems. However,traditional plant breeding strategies used to develop new lines ofplants that exhibit tolerance to ABS are relatively inefficient sincethey are tedious, time consuming and of unpredictable outcome.Furthermore, limited germplasm resources for stress tolerance andincompatibility in crosses between distantly related plant speciesrepresent significant problems encountered in conventional breeding.Additionally, the cellular processes leading to ABS tolerance arecomplex in nature and involve multiple mechanisms of cellular adaptationand numerous metabolic pathways.

Genetic engineering efforts, aimed at conferring abiotic stresstolerance to transgenic crops, have been described in the art. Studiesby Apse and Blumwald (Curr Opin Biotechnol. 13:146-150, 2002), Quesadaet al. (Plant Physiol. 130:951-963, 2002), Holmström et al. (Nature 379:683-684, 1996), Xu et al. (Plant Physiol 110: 249-257, 1996),Pilon-Smits and Ebskamp (Plant Physiol 107: 125-130, 1995) andTarczynski et al. (Science 259: 508-510, 1993) have all attempted atgenerating stress tolerant plants.

In addition, several U.S. patents and patent applications also describepolynucleotides associated with stress tolerance and their use ingenerating stress tolerant plants. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,462 and5,356,816 describe transforming plants with polynucleotides encodingproteins involved in cold adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana forpromoting cold tolerance.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,528 describes transforming plants withpolynucleotides encoding polypeptides binding to stress responsiveelements for promoting tolerance to abiotic stress.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,477 describes transforming plants with apolynucleotide encoding a signal transduction stress-related protein,capable of increasing tolerance of the transformed plants to abioticstress.

U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/938,842 and 10/342,224 describe abioticstress-related genes and their use to confer upon plants tolerance toabiotic stress.

U.S. application Ser. No. 10/231,035 describes overexpressing amolybdenum cofactor sulfurase in plants for increasing tolerance toabiotic stress.

WO2004/104162 to Evogene Ltd. teaches polynucleotide sequences andmethods of utilizing same for increasing the tolerance of a plant toabiotic stresses and/or increasing the biomass of a plant.

WO2007/020638 to Evogene Ltd. teaches polynucleotide sequences andmethods of utilizing same for increasing the tolerance of a plant toabiotic stresses and/or increasing the biomass, vigor and/or yield of aplant.

WO2007/049275 to Evogene Ltd. teaches isolated polypeptides,polynucleotides encoding same for increasing tolerance of a plant toabiotic stress, and/or for increasing biomass, vigor and/or yield of aplant.

Additional background art includes U.S. Patent Appl. Nos. 20060183137A1A1 and 20030056249A1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of increasing tolerance of a plant to abioticstress, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenouspolynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequenceat least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391,1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing the tolerance of theplant to abiotic stress.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of increasing tolerance of a plant to abioticstress, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenouspolynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206,208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing thetolerance of the plant to abiotic stress.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigorand/or yield of a plant, the method comprising expressing within theplant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising anamino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206,208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing thebiomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of the plant.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigorand/or yield of a plant, the method comprising expressing within theplant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising anamino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and1660-1663, thereby increasing the biomass, growth rate, vigor and/oryield of the plant.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acidsequence at least 90% identical to the nucleic acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562,1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552,1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668,1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200,1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561,1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564,1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555,1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537,1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a nucleic acid construct comprising the isolatedpolynucleotide and a promoter for directing transcription of the nucleicacid sequence.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided an isolated polypeptide, comprising an amino acidsequence at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211,213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided an isolated polypeptide, comprising an amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212,202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polypeptidecomprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to the aminoacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207,212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polypeptidecomprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polynucleotidecomprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% homologous to thenucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554,1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559,1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667,1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polynucleotidecomprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566,1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556,1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541,1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acidsequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561,1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564,1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555,1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537,1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the polynucleotide isselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531,1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536,1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543,1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545,1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the amino acid sequenceis selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212,202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the polypeptide isselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206,208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant cell forms apart of a plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the abiotic stress isselected from the group consisting of salinity, drought, waterdeprivation, low temperature, high temperature, heavy metal toxicity,anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, atmosphericpollution and UV irradiation.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprising growing the plant expressing the exogenous polynucleotideunder the abiotic stress.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the pGI binary plasmid used forexpressing the isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention.RB—T-DNA right border; LB—T-DNA left border; H—HindIII restrictionenzyme; X—XbaI restriction enzyme; B—BamHI restriction enzyme; S—SalIrestriction enzyme; Sm—SmaI restriction enzyme; R-I—EcoRI restrictionenzyme; Sc—SacI/SstI/Ecl136II; (numbers)—Length in base-pairs; NOSpro=nopaline synthase promoter; NPT-II=neomycin phosphotransferase gene;NOS ter=nopaline synthase terminator; Poly-A signal (polyadenylationsignal); GUSintron—the GUS reporter gene (coding sequence and intron)The isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention were cloned intothe vector while replacing the GUSintron reporter gene.

FIGS. 2 a-b are images depicting visualization of root development ofplants grown in transparent agar plates. The different transgenes weregrown in transparent agar plates for 17 days and the plates werephotographed every 2 days starting at day 7. FIG. 2 a—An image of aphotograph of plants taken following 12 days on agar plates. FIG. 2 b—Animage of root analysis in which the length of the root measured isrepresented by a red arrow.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to isolatedpolypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same, and more particularly,but not exclusively, to methods of using same for increasing toleranceto abiotic stress, growth rate, yield, biomass and/or vigor of a plant.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details set forth in the following description orexemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of otherembodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

While reducing the invention to practice, the present inventors haveidentified novel polypeptides and polynucleotides which can be used toincrease tolerance to abiotic stress, and improve growth rate, biomass,yield and/or vigor of a plant.

Thus, as shown in the Examples section which follows, the presentinventors have employed a bioinformatics approach which combinesclustering and assembly of sequences from databases of the Arabidopsis,rice and other publicly available plant genomes, expressed sequence tags(ESTs), protein and pathway databases and QTL information with a digitalexpression profile (“electronic Northern Blot”) and identifiedpolynucleotides and polypeptides which can increase tolerance to abioticstress, and improve growth, biomass, yield and vigor (SEQ ID NOs:1-200and 1653 for polynucleotides; SEQ ID NOs:201-391 and 1655 forpolypeptides; Table 1, Example 1). Putative ABST orthologs from monocotspecies were identified by alignments of ortholog sequences and digitalexpression profiles (SEQ ID NOs:392-960, 1656-1659 for polynucleotides;SEQ ID NOs:961-1529, 1660-1663 for polypeptides; Table 2, Example 1). Asis further described in Tables 3 and 4 of the Examples section whichfollows, representative polynucleotides were cloned (polynucleotide SEQID NOs:1530, 1538, 1532, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1561, 1564,1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555,1540, 1543 and 1668). Additional polynucleotides having optimizednucleic acid sequences were prepared (polynucleotide SEQ ID NOs:1531,1539, 1533, 1550, 1558, 1562, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551and 1545). As is further described in the Examples section whichfollows, transgenic plants exogenously expressing the cloned and/oroptimized polynucleotides of the invention were generated. As shown inTables 5-76, these plants exhibit increased seedling weight, rootcoverage, root length, and relative growth rate when grown under osmoticstress (in the presence of 25% PEG), nitrogen deficiency (in thepresence of 0.75 mM Nitrogen) or regular conditions. In addition, asshown in Tables 77-188, plants exogenously expressing thepolynucleotides of the invention exhibit increased rosette area, rosettediameter, leaf average area, relative growth rate of the above, plantsbiomass, plant seed yield, 1000 seed weight, and harvest index whengrown under salinity stress or normal conditions. Altogether, theseresults suggest the use of the novel polynucleotides and polypeptides ofthe invention for increasing abiotic stress tolerance, and improvinggrowth rate biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of increasing abiotic stress tolerance, growth rate, biomass,yield and/or vigor of a plant. The method is effected by expressingwithin the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptidecomprising an amino acid sequence at least 60% homologous to the aminoacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207,212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

The phrase “abiotic stress” as used herein refers to any adverse effecton metabolism, growth, reproduction and/or viability of a plant.Accordingly, abiotic stress can be induced by suboptimal environmentalgrowth conditions such as, for example, salinity, water deprivation,water deficit, drought, flooding, freezing, low or high temperature(e.g., chilling or excessive heat), toxic chemical pollution, heavymetal toxicity, anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess,atmospheric pollution or UV irradiation. The implications of abioticstress are discussed in the Background section.

The phrase “abiotic stress tolerance” as used herein refers to theability of a plant to endure an abiotic stress without suffering asubstantial alteration in metabolism, growth, productivity and/orviability.

As used herein the phrase “plant biomass” refers to the amount (measuredin grams of air-dry or dry tissue) of a tissue produced from the plantin a growing season, which could also determine or affect the plantyield or the yield per growing area.

As used herein the phrase “plant yield” refers to the amount (asdetermined by weight, volume or size) or quantity (numbers) of tissueproduced or harvested per plant or per growing season. Hence increasedyield could affect the economic benefit one can obtain from the plant ina certain growing area and/or growing time.

As used herein the phrase “plant vigor” refers to the amount (measuredby weight) of tissue produced by the plant in a given time. Henceincrease vigor could determine or affect the plant yield or the yieldper growing time or growing area.

As used herein the term “increasing” refers to at least about 2%, atleast about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, atleast about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about70%, at least about 80% or greater increase in plant abiotic stresstolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor as compared to a nativeplant [i.e., a plant not modified with the biomolecules (polynucleotideor polypeptides) of the invention, e.g., a non-transformed plant of thesame species which is grown under the same growth conditions).

As used herein, the phrase “exogenous polynucleotide” refers to aheterologous nucleic acid sequence which may not be naturally expressedwithin the plant or which overexpression in the plant is desired. Theexogenous polynucleotide may be introduced into the plant in a stable ortransient manner, so as to produce a ribonucleic acid (RNA) moleculeand/or a polypeptide molecule. It should be noted that the exogenouspolynucleotide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence which is identicalor partially homologous to an endogenous nucleic acid sequence of theplant.

As mentioned, the exogenous polynucleotide of the invention encodes apolypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least about 60%, at leastabout 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%,at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at leastabout 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%,at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at leastabout 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%,at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at leastabout 98%, at least about 99%, or more say 100% homologous to the aminoacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207,212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

Homology (e.g., percent homology) can be determined using any homologycomparison software, including for example, the BlastP or TBLASTNsoftware of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suchas by using default parameters, when starting from a polypeptidesequence; or the tBLASTX algorithm (available via the NCBI) such as byusing default parameters, which compares the six-frame conceptualtranslation products of a nucleotide query sequence (both strands)against a protein sequence database.

Homologous sequences include both orthologous and paralogous sequences.The term “paralogous” relates to gene-duplications within the genome ofa species leading to paralogous genes. The term “orthologous” relates tohomologous genes in different organisms due to ancestral relationship.

One option to identify orthologues in monocot plant species is byperforming a reciprocal blast search. This may be done by a first blastinvolving blasting the sequence-of-interest against any sequencedatabase, such as the publicly available NCBI database which may befound at: Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot)nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov. If orthologues in rice were sought, thesequence-of-interest would be blasted against, for example, the 28,469full-length cDNA clones from Oryza sativa Nipponbare available at NCBI.The blast results may be filtered. The full-length sequences of eitherthe filtered results or the non-filtered results are then blasted back(second blast) against the sequences of the organism from which thesequence-of-interest is derived. The results of the first and secondblasts are then compared. An orthologue is identified when the sequenceresulting in the highest score (best hit) in the first blast identifiesin the second blast the query sequence (the originalsequence-of-interest) as the best hit. Using the same rational aparalogue (homolog to a gene in the same organism) is found. In case oflarge sequence families, the ClustalW program may be used [HypertextTransfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ebi (dot) ac (dot)uk/Tools/clustalw2/index (dot) html], followed by a neighbor joiningtree (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://en (dot) wikipedia (dot)org/wiki/Neighbor-joining) which helps visualizing the clustering.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the exogenouspolynucleotide encodes a polypeptide consisting of the amino acidsequence set forth by SEQ ID NO:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211,213-391, 1655, 961-1529, 1660-1662 or 1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenouspolynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence which is at least about60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, atleast about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, atleast about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, e.g.,100% identical to the nucleic acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549,1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547,1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558,1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960,and 1656-1659.

Identity (e.g., percent homology) can be determined using any homologycomparison software, including for example, the BlastN software of theNational Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) such as by usingdefault parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenouspolynucleotide is at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 81%, atleast about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, atleast about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, atleast about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about98%, at least about 99%, e.g., 100% identical to the polynucleotideselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531,1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536,1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543,1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545,1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenouspolynucleotide is set forth by SEQ ID NO:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562,1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552,1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668,1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200,1653, 392-960, and 1656-1658 or 1659.

As used herein the term “polynucleotide” refers to a single or doublestranded nucleic acid sequence which is isolated and provided in theform of an RNA sequence, a complementary polynucleotide sequence (cDNA),a genomic polynucleotide sequence and/or a composite polynucleotidesequences (e.g., a combination of the above).

As used herein the phrase “complementary polynucleotide sequence” refersto a sequence, which results from reverse transcription of messenger RNAusing a reverse transcriptase or any other RNA dependent DNA polymerase.Such a sequence can be subsequently amplified in vivo or in vitro usinga DNA dependent DNA polymerase.

As used herein the phrase “genomic polynucleotide sequence” refers to asequence derived (identified or isolated) from a chromosome and thus itrepresents a contiguous portion of a chromosome.

As used herein the phrase “composite polynucleotide sequence” refers toa sequence, which is at least partially complementary and at leastpartially genomic. A composite sequence can include some exonalsequences required to encode the polypeptide of the present invention,as well as some intronic sequences interposing therebetween. Theintronic sequences can be of any source, including of other genes, andtypically will include conserved splicing signal sequences. Suchintronic sequences may further include cis acting expression regulatoryelements.

Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides of the presentinvention may be optimized for expression. A non-limiting example of anoptimized nucleic acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO:1531, whichencodes the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth bySEQ ID NO:201. Examples of such sequence modifications include, but arenot limited to, an altered G/C content to more closely approach thattypically found in the plant species of interest, and the removal ofcodons atypically found in the plant species commonly referred to ascodon optimization.

The phrase “codon optimization” refers to the selection of appropriateDNA nucleotides for use within a structural gene or fragment thereofthat approaches codon usage within the plant of interest. Therefore, anoptimized gene or nucleic acid sequence refers to a gene in which thenucleotide sequence of a native or naturally occurring gene has beenmodified in order to utilize statistically-preferred orstatistically-favored codons within the plant. The nucleotide sequencetypically is examined at the DNA level and the coding region optimizedfor expression in the plant species determined using any suitableprocedure, for example as described in Sardana et al. (1996, Plant CellReports 15:677-681). In this method, the standard deviation of codonusage, a measure of codon usage bias, may be calculated by first findingthe squared proportional deviation of usage of each codon of the nativegene relative to that of highly expressed plant genes, followed by acalculation of the average squared deviation. The formula used is: 1SDCU=n=1 N [(Xn−Yn)/Yn]2/N, where Xn refers to the frequency of usage ofcodon n in highly expressed plant genes, where Yn to the frequency ofusage of codon n in the gene of interest and N refers to the totalnumber of codons in the gene of interest. A Table of codon usage fromhighly expressed genes of dicotyledonous plants is compiled using thedata of Murray et al. (1989, Nuc Acids Res. 17:477-498).

One method of optimizing the nucleic acid sequence in accordance withthe preferred codon usage for a particular plant cell type is based onthe direct use, without performing any extra statistical calculations,of codon optimization Tables such as those provided on-line at the CodonUsage Database through the NIAS (National Institute of AgrobiologicalSciences) DNA bank in Japan (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World WideWeb (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/). The Codon Usage Databasecontains codon usage Tables for a number of different species, with eachcodon usage Table having been statistically determined based on the datapresent in Genbank.

By using the above Tables to determine the most preferred or mostfavored codons for each amino acid in a particular species (for example,rice), a naturally-occurring nucleotide sequence encoding a protein ofinterest can be codon optimized for that particular plant species. Thisis effected by replacing codons that may have a low statisticalincidence in the particular species genome with corresponding codons, inregard to an amino acid, that are statistically more favored. However,one or more less-favored codons may be selected to delete existingrestriction sites, to create new ones at potentially useful junctions(5′ and 3′ ends to add signal peptide or termination cassettes, internalsites that might be used to cut and splice segments together to producea correct full-length sequence), or to eliminate nucleotide sequencesthat may negatively effect mRNA stability or expression.

The naturally-occurring encoding nucleotide sequence may already, inadvance of any modification, contain a number of codons that correspondto a statistically-favored codon in a particular plant species.Therefore, codon optimization of the native nucleotide sequence maycomprise determining which codons, within the native nucleotidesequence, are not statistically-favored with regards to a particularplant, and modifying these codons in accordance with a codon usage tableof the particular plant to produce a codon optimized derivative. Amodified nucleotide sequence may be fully or partially optimized forplant codon usage provided that the protein encoded by the modifiednucleotide sequence is produced at a level higher than the proteinencoded by the corresponding naturally occurring or native gene.Construction of synthetic genes by altering the codon usage is describedin for example PCT Patent Application 93/07278.

Thus, the invention encompasses nucleic acid sequences describedhereinabove; fragments thereof, sequences hybridizable therewith,sequences homologous thereto, sequences encoding similar polypeptideswith different codon usage, altered sequences characterized bymutations, such as deletion, insertion or substitution of one or morenucleotides, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomlyor in a targeted fashion.

The invention provides an isolated polypeptide having an amino acidsequence at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, atleast about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, atleast about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, atleast about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, atleast about 99%, or more say 100% homologous to an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:201, 207, 212, 202-206,208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the polypeptide is setforth by SEQ ID NO:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655,961-1529, and 1660-1662 or 1663.

The invention also encompasses fragments of the above describedpolypeptides and polypeptides having mutations, such as deletions,insertions or substitutions of one or more amino acids, either naturallyoccurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion.

The term “plant” as used herein encompasses whole plants, ancestors andprogeny of the plants and plant parts, including seeds, shoots, stems,roots (including tubers), and plant cells, tissues and organs. The plantmay be in any form including suspension cultures, embryos, meristematicregions, callus tissue, leaves, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen, andmicrospores. Plants that are particularly useful in the methods of theinvention include all plants which belong to the superfamilyViridiplantae, in particular monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plantsincluding a fodder or forage legume, ornamental plant, food crop, tree,or shrub selected from the list comprising Acacia spp., Acer spp.,Actinidia spp., Aesculus spp., Agathis australis, Albizia amara,Alsophila tricolor, Andropogon spp., Arachis spp, Areca catechu, Asteliafragrans, Astragalus cicer, Baikiaea plurijuga, Betula spp., Brassicaspp., Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Burkea africana, Butea frondosa, Cadabafarinosa, Calliandra spp, Camellia sinensis, Canna indica, Capsicumspp., Cassia spp., Centroema pubescens, Chacoomeles spp., Cinnamomumcassia, Coffea arabica, Colophospermum mopane, Coronillia varia,Cotoneaster serotina, Crataegus spp., Cucumis spp., Cupressus spp.,Cyathea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Cryptomeria japonica, Cymbopogonspp., Cynthea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Dalbergia monetaria, Davalliadivaricata, Desmodium spp., Dicksonia squarosa, Dibeteropogonamplectens, Dioclea spp, Dolichos spp., Dorycnium rectum, Echinochloapyramidalis, Ehraffia spp., Eleusine coracana, Eragrestis spp.,Erythrina spp., Eucalypfus spp., Euclea schimperi, Eulalia vi/losa,Pagopyrum spp., Feijoa sellowlana, Fragaria spp., Flemingia spp,Freycinetia banksli, Geranium thunbergii, GinAgo biloba, Glycinejavanica, Gliricidia spp, Gossypium hirsutum, Grevillea spp., Guibourtiacoleosperma, Hedysarum spp., Hemaffhia altissima, Heteropogon contoffus,Hordeum vulgare, Hyparrhenia rufa, Hypericum erectum, Hypeffheliadissolute, Indigo incamata, Iris spp., Leptarrhena pyrolifolia,Lespediza spp., Lettuca spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Loudetia simplex,Lotonus bainesli, Lotus spp., Macrotyloma axillare, Malus spp., Manihotesculenta, Medicago saliva, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Musasapientum, Nicotianum spp., Onobrychis spp., Ornithopus spp., Oryzaspp., Peltophorum africanum, Pennisetum spp., Persea gratissima, Petuniaspp., Phaseolus spp., Phoenix canariensis, Phormium cookianum, Photiniaspp., Picea glauca, Pinus spp., Pisum sativam, Podocarpus totara,Pogonarthria fleckii, Pogonaffhria squarrosa, Populus spp., Prosopiscineraria, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pterolobium stellatum, Pyrus communis,Quercus spp., Rhaphiolepsis umbellata, Rhopalostylis sapida, Rhusnatalensis, Ribes grossularia, Ribes spp., Robinia pseudoacacia, Rosaspp., Rubus spp., Salix spp., Schyzachyrium sanguineum, Sciadopitysvefficillata, Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum, Sorghumbicolor, Spinacia spp., Sporobolus fimbriatus, Stiburus alopecuroides,Stylosanthos humilis, Tadehagi spp, Taxodium distichum, Themedatriandra, Trifolium spp., Triticum spp., Tsuga heterophylla, Vacciniumspp., Vicia spp., Vitis vinifera, Watsonia pyramidata, Zantedeschiaaethiopica, Zea mays, amaranth, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, Brusselssprouts, cabbage, canola, carrot, cauliflower, celery, collard greens,flax, kale, lentil, oilseed rape, okra, onion, potato, rice, soybean,straw, sugar beet, sugar cane, sunflower, tomato, squash tea, maize,wheat, barely, rye, oat, peanut, pea, lentil and alfalfa, cotton,rapeseed, canola, pepper, sunflower, tobacco, eggplant, eucalyptus, atree, an ornamental plant, a perennial grass and a forage crop.Alternatively algae and other non-Viridiplantae can be used for themethods of the present invention.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant used by themethod of the invention is a crop plant such as rice, maize, wheat,barley, peanut, potato, sesame, olive tree, palm oil, banana, soybean,sunflower, canola, sugarcane, alfalfa, millet, leguminosae (bean, pea),flax, lupinus, rapeseed, tobacco, popular and cotton.

Expressing the exogenous polynucleotide of the invention within theplant can be effected by transforming one or more cells of the plantwith the exogenous polynucleotide, followed by generating a mature plantfrom the transformed cells and cultivating the mature plant underconditions suitable for expressing the exogenous polynucleotide withinthe mature plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transformation iseffected by introducing to the plant cell a nucleic acid construct whichincludes the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of theinvention and at least one promoter capable of directing transcriptionof the exogenous polynucleotide in the plant cell. Further details ofsuitable transformation approaches are provided hereinbelow.

As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to a region of DNA which liesupstream of the transcriptional initiation site of a gene to which RNApolymerase binds to initiate transcription of RNA. The promoter controlswhere (e.g., which portion of a plant) and/or when (e.g., at which stageor condition in the lifetime of an organism) the gene is expressed.

Any suitable promoter sequence can be used by the nucleic acid constructof the present invention. According to some embodiments of theinvention, the promoter is a constitutive promoter, a tissue-specific,or an abiotic stress-inducible promoter.

Suitable constitutive promoters include, for example, CaMV 35S promoter(SEQ ID NO:1546; Odell et al., Nature 313:810-812, 1985); ArabidopsisAt6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO:1652; see PCT Publication No. WO04081173A2);maize Ubi 1 (Christensen et al., Plant Sol. Biol. 18:675-689, 1992);rice actin (McElroy et al., Plant Cell 2:163-171, 1990); pEMU (Last etal., Theor. Appl. Genet. 81:581-588, 1991); CaMV 19S (Nilsson et al.,Physiol. Plant 100:456-462, 1997); GOS2 (de Pater et al., Plant JNovember; 2(6):837-44, 1992); ubiquitin (Christensen et al., Plant Mol.Biol. 18: 675-689, 1992); Rice cyclophilin (Bucholz et al., Plant MolBiol. 25(5):837-43, 1994); Maize H3 histone (Lepetit et al., Mol. Gen.Genet. 231: 276-285, 1992); Actin 2 (An et al., Plant J. 10(1);107-121,1996), constitutive root tip CT2 promoter (SEQ ID NO:1535; see also PCTapplication No. IL/2005/000627) and Synthetic Super MAS (Ni et al., ThePlant Journal 7: 661-76, 1995). Other constitutive promoters includethose in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,659,026, 5,608,149; 5,608,144; 5,604,121;5,569,597: 5,466,785; 5,399,680; 5,268,463; and 5,608,142.

Suitable tissue-specific promoters include, but not limited to,leaf-specific promoters [such as described, for example, by Yamamoto etal., Plant J. 12:255-265, 1997; Kwon et al., Plant Physiol. 105:357-67,1994; Yamamoto et al., Plant Cell Physiol. 35:773-778, 1994; Gotor etal., Plant J. 3:509-18, 1993; Orozco et al., Plant Mol. Biol.23:1129-1138, 1993; and Matsuoka et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA90:9586-9590, 1993], seed-preferred promoters [e.g., from seed specificgenes (Simon, et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 5. 191, 1985; Scofield, et al.,J. Biol. Chem. 262: 12202, 1987; Baszczynski, et al., Plant Mol. Biol.14: 633, 1990), Brazil Nut albumin (Pearson' et al., Plant Mol. Biol.18: 235-245, 1992), legumin (Ellis, et al. Plant Mol. Biol. 10: 203-214,1988), Glutelin (rice) (Takaiwa, et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 208: 15-22,1986; Takaiwa, et al., FEBS Letts. 221: 43-47, 1987), Zein (Matzke etal., Plant Mol Biol, 143).323-32 1990), napA (Stalberg, et al., Planta199: 515-519, 1996), Wheat SPA (Albanietal, Plant Cell, 9: 171-184,1997), sunflower oleosin (Cummins, etal., Plant Mol. Biol. 19: 873-876,1992)], endosperm specific promoters [e.g., wheat LMW and HMW,glutenin-1 (Mol Gen Genet 216:81-90, 1989; NAR 17:461-2), wheat a, b andg gliadins (EMBO3:1409-15, 1984), Barley ltrl promoter, barley B1, C, Dhordein (Theor Appl Gen 98:1253-62, 1999; Plant J 4:343-55, 1993; MolGen Genet 250:750-60, 1996), Barley DOF (Mena et al., The Plant Journal,116(1): 53-62, 1998), Biz2 (EP99106056.7), Synthetic promoter(Vicente-Carbajosa et al., Plant J. 13: 629-640, 1998), rice prolaminNRP33, rice -globulin Glb-1 (Wu et al., Plant Cell Physiology 39(8)885-889, 1998), rice alpha-globulin REB/OHP-1 (Nakase et al. Plant Mol.Biol. 33: 513-S22, 1997), rice ADP-glucose PP (Trans Res 6:157-68,1997), maize ESR gene family (Plant J 12:235-46, 1997), sorgumgamma-kafirin (PMB 32:1029-35, 1996)], embryo specific promoters [e.g.,rice OSH1 (Sato et al., Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA, 93: 8117-8122), KNOX(Postma-Haarsma of al, Plant Mol. Biol. 39:257-71, 1999), rice oleosin(Wu et at, J. Biochem., 123:386, 1998)], and flower-specific promoters[e.g., AtPRP4, chalene synthase (chsA) (Van der Meer, et al., Plant Mol.Biol. 15, 95-109, 1990), LAT52 (Twell et al., Mol. Gen Genet.217:240-245; 1989), apetala-3].

Suitable abiotic stress-inducible promoters include, but not limited to,salt-inducible promoters such as RD29A (Yamaguchi-Shinozalei et al.,Mol. Gen. Genet. 236:331-340, 1993); drought-inducible promoters such asmaize rab17 gene promoter (Pla et. al., Plant Mol. Biol. 21:259-266,1993), maize rab28 gene promoter (Busk et. al., Plant J. 11:1285-1295,1997) and maize Ivr2 gene promoter (Pelleschi et. al., Plant Mol. Biol.39:373-380, 1999); heat-inducible promoters such as heat tomatohsp80-promoter from tomato (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267).

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention canfurther include an appropriate selectable marker and/or an origin ofreplication. According to some embodiments of the invention, the nucleicacid construct utilized is a shuttle vector, which can propagate both inE. coli (wherein the construct comprises an appropriate selectablemarker and origin of replication) and be compatible with propagation incells. The construct according to the present invention can be, forexample, a plasmid, a bacmid, a phagemid, a cosmid, a phage, a virus oran artificial chromosome.

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention can beutilized to stably or transiently transform plant cells. In stabletransformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is integrated into theplant genome and as such it represents a stable and inherited trait. Intransient transformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is expressed bythe cell transformed but it is not integrated into the genome and assuch it represents a transient trait.

There are various methods of introducing foreign genes into bothmonocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (Potrykus, I., Annu Rev.Plant. Physiol., Plant. Mol. Biol. (1991) 42:205-225; Shimamoto et al.,Nature (1989) 338:274-276).

The principle methods of causing stable integration of exogenous DNAinto plant genomic DNA include two main approaches:

(i) Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer: Klee et al. (1987) Annu Rev.Plant Physiol. 38:467-486; Klee and Rogers in Cell Culture and SomaticCell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant NuclearGenes, eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, SanDiego, Calif. (1989) p. 2-25; Gatenby, in Plant Biotechnology, eds.Kung, S. and Arntzen, C. J., Butterworth Publishers, Boston, Mass.(1989) p. 93-112.

(ii) Direct DNA uptake: Paszkowski et al., in Cell Culture and SomaticCell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant NuclearGenes eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego,Calif. (1989) p. 52-68; including methods for direct uptake of DNA intoprotoplasts, Toriyama, K. et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1072-1074. DNAuptake induced by brief electric shock of plant cells: Zhang et al.Plant Cell Rep. (1988) 7:379-384. Fromm et al. Nature (1986)319:791-793. DNA injection into plant cells or tissues by particlebombardment, Klein et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:559-563; McCabe et al.Bio/Technology (1988) 6:923-926; Sanford, Physiol. Plant. (1990)79:206-209; by the use of micropipette systems: Neuhaus et al., Theor.Appl. Genet. (1987) 75:30-36; Neuhaus and Spangenberg, Physiol. Plant.(1990) 79:213-217; glass fibers or silicon carbide whiskertransformation of cell cultures, embryos or callus tissue, U.S. Pat. No.5,464,765 or by the direct incubation of DNA with germinating pollen,DeWet et al. in Experimental Manipulation of Ovule Tissue, eds. Chapman,G. P. and Mantell, S. H. and Daniels, W. Longman, London, (1985) p.197-209; and Ohta, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1986) 83:715-719.

The Agrobacterium system includes the use of plasmid vectors thatcontain defined DNA segments that integrate into the plant genomic DNA.Methods of inoculation of the plant tissue vary depending upon the plantspecies and the Agrobacterium delivery system. A widely used approach isthe leaf disc procedure which can be performed with any tissue explantthat provides a good source for initiation of whole plantdifferentiation. See, e.g., Horsch et al. in Plant Molecular BiologyManual A5, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1988) p. 1-9. Asupplementary approach employs the Agrobacterium delivery system incombination with vacuum infiltration. The Agrobacterium system isespecially viable in the creation of transgenic dicotyledonous plants.

There are various methods of direct DNA transfer into plant cells. Inelectroporation, the protoplasts are briefly exposed to a strongelectric field. In microinjection, the DNA is mechanically injecteddirectly into the cells using very small micropipettes. In microparticlebombardment, the DNA is adsorbed on microprojectiles such as magnesiumsulfate crystals or tungsten particles, and the microprojectiles arephysically accelerated into cells or plant tissues.

Following stable transformation plant propagation is exercised. The mostcommon method of plant propagation is by seed. Regeneration by seedpropagation, however, has the deficiency that due to heterozygositythere is a lack of uniformity in the crop, since seeds are produced byplants according to the genetic variances governed by Mendelian rules.Basically, each seed is genetically different and each will grow withits own specific traits. Therefore, it is preferred that the transformedplant be produced such that the regenerated plant has the identicaltraits and characteristics of the parent transgenic plant. For thisreason it is preferred that the transformed plant be regenerated bymicropropagation which provides a rapid, consistent reproduction of thetransformed plants.

Micropropagation is a process of growing new generation plants from asingle piece of tissue that has been excised from a selected parentplant or cultivar. This process permits the mass reproduction of plantshaving the preferred tissue expressing the fusion protein. The newgeneration plants which are produced are genetically identical to, andhave all of the characteristics of, the original plant. Micropropagationallows mass production of quality plant material in a short period oftime and offers a rapid multiplication of selected cultivars in thepreservation of the characteristics of the original transgenic ortransformed plant. The advantages of cloning plants are the speed ofplant multiplication and the quality and uniformity of plants produced.

Micropropagation is a multi-stage procedure that requires alteration ofculture medium or growth conditions between stages. Thus, themicropropagation process involves four basic stages: Stage one, initialtissue culturing; stage two, tissue culture multiplication; stage three,differentiation and plant formation; and stage four, greenhouseculturing and hardening. During stage one, initial tissue culturing, thetissue culture is established and certified contaminant-free. Duringstage two, the initial tissue culture is multiplied until a sufficientnumber of tissue samples are produced to meet production goals. Duringstage three, the tissue samples grown in stage two are divided and growninto individual plantlets. At stage four, the transformed plantlets aretransferred to a greenhouse for hardening where the plants' tolerance tolight is gradually increased so that it can be grown in the naturalenvironment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transgenic plantsare generated by transient transformation of leaf cells, meristematiccells or the whole plant.

Transient transformation can be effected by any of the direct DNAtransfer methods described above or by viral infection using modifiedplant viruses.

Viruses that have been shown to be useful for the transformation ofplant hosts include CaMV, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), brome mosaic virus(BMV) and Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BV or BCMV). Transformation ofplants using plant viruses is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,237 (beangolden mosaic virus; BGV), EP-A 67,553 (TMV), Japanese PublishedApplication No. 63-14693 (TMV), EPA 194,809 (BV), EPA 278,667 (BV); andGluzman, Y. et al., Communications in Molecular Biology: Viral Vectors,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, pp. 172-189 (1988). Pseudovirusparticles for use in expressing foreign DNA in many hosts, includingplants are described in WO 87/06261.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the virus used fortransient transformations is avirulent and thus is incapable of causingsevere symptoms such as reduced growth rate, mosaic, ring spots, leafroll, yellowing, streaking, pox formation, tumor formation and pitting.A suitable avirulent virus may be a naturally occurring avirulent virusor an artificially attenuated virus. Virus attenuation may be effectedby using methods well known in the art including, but not limited to,sub-lethal heating, chemical treatment or by directed mutagenesistechniques such as described, for example, by Kurihara and Watanabe(Molecular Plant Pathology 4:259-269, 2003), Gal-on et al. (1992),Atreya et al. (1992) and Huet et al. (1994).

Suitable virus strains can be obtained from available sources such as,for example, the American Type culture Collection (ATCC) or by isolationfrom infected plants. Isolation of viruses from infected plant tissuescan be effected by techniques well known in the art such as described,for example by Foster and Tatlor, Eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: FromVirus Isolation to Transgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology(Humana Pr), Vol 81)”, Humana Press, 1998. Briefly, tissues of aninfected plant believed to contain a high concentration of a suitablevirus, preferably young leaves and flower petals, are ground in a buffersolution (e.g., phosphate buffer solution) to produce a virus infectedsap which can be used in subsequent inoculations.

Construction of plant RNA viruses for the introduction and expression ofnon-viral exogenous polynucleotide sequences in plants is demonstratedby the above references as well as by Dawson, W. O. et al., Virology(1989) 172:285-292; Takamatsu et al. EMBO J. (1987) 6:307-311; French etal. Science (1986) 231:1294-1297; Takamatsu et al. FEBS Letters (1990)269:73-76; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,931.

When the virus is a DNA virus, suitable modifications can be made to thevirus itself. Alternatively, the virus can first be cloned into abacterial plasmid for ease of constructing the desired viral vector withthe foreign DNA. The virus can then be excised from the plasmid. If thevirus is a DNA virus, a bacterial origin of replication can be attachedto the viral DNA, which is then replicated by the bacteria.Transcription and translation of this DNA will produce the coat proteinwhich will encapsidate the viral DNA. If the virus is an RNA virus, thevirus is generally cloned as a cDNA and inserted into a plasmid. Theplasmid is then used to make all of the constructions. The RNA virus isthen produced by transcribing the viral sequence of the plasmid andtranslation of the viral genes to produce the coat protein(s) whichencapsidate the viral RNA.

In one embodiment, a plant viral polynucleotide is provided in which thenative coat protein coding sequence has been deleted from a viralpolynucleotide, a non-native plant viral coat protein coding sequenceand a non-native promoter, preferably the subgenomic promoter of thenon-native coat protein coding sequence, capable of expression in theplant host, packaging of the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide, andensuring a systemic infection of the host by the recombinant plant viralpolynucleotide, has been inserted. Alternatively, the coat protein genemay be inactivated by insertion of the non-native polynucleotidesequence within it, such that a protein is produced. The recombinantplant viral polynucleotide may contain one or more additional non-nativesubgenomic promoters. Each non-native subgenomic promoter is capable oftranscribing or expressing adjacent genes or polynucleotide sequences inthe plant host and incapable of recombination with each other and withnative subgenomic promoters. Non-native (foreign) polynucleotidesequences may be inserted adjacent the native plant viral subgenomicpromoter or the native and a non-native plant viral subgenomic promotersif more than one polynucleotide sequence is included. The non-nativepolynucleotide sequences are transcribed or expressed in the host plantunder control of the subgenomic promoter to produce the desiredproducts.

In a second embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide isprovided as in the first embodiment except that the native coat proteincoding sequence is placed adjacent one of the non-native coat proteinsubgenomic promoters instead of a non-native coat protein codingsequence.

In a third embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide isprovided in which the native coat protein gene is adjacent itssubgenomic promoter and one or more non-native subgenomic promoters havebeen inserted into the viral polynucleotide. The inserted non-nativesubgenomic promoters are capable of transcribing or expressing adjacentgenes in a plant host and are incapable of recombination with each otherand with native subgenomic promoters. Non-native polynucleotidesequences may be inserted adjacent the non-native subgenomic plant viralpromoters such that the sequences are transcribed or expressed in thehost plant under control of the subgenomic promoters to produce thedesired product.

In a fourth embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide isprovided as in the third embodiment except that the native coat proteincoding sequence is replaced by a non-native coat protein codingsequence.

The viral vectors are encapsidated by the coat proteins encoded by therecombinant plant viral polynucleotide to produce a recombinant plantvirus. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide or recombinant plantvirus is used to infect appropriate host plants. The recombinant plantviral polynucleotide is capable of replication in the host, systemicspread in the host, and transcription or expression of foreign gene(s)(exogenous polynucleotide) in the host to produce the desired protein.

Techniques for inoculation of viruses to plants may be found in Fosterand Taylor, eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: From Virus Isolation toTransgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology (Humana Pr), Vol81)”, Humana Press, 1998; Maramorosh and Koprowski, eds. “Methods inVirology” 7 vols, Academic Press, New York 1967-1984; Hill, S. A.“Methods in Plant Virology”, Blackwell, Oxford, 1984; Walkey, D. G. A.“Applied Plant Virology”, Wiley, New York, 1985; and Kado and Agrawa,eds. “Principles and Techniques in Plant Virology”, VanNostrand-Reinhold, New York.

In addition to the above, the polynucleotide of the present inventioncan also be introduced into a chloroplast genome thereby enablingchloroplast expression.

A technique for introducing exogenous polynucleotide sequences to thegenome of the chloroplasts is known. This technique involves thefollowing procedures. First, plant cells are chemically treated so as toreduce the number of chloroplasts per cell to about one. Then, theexogenous polynucleotide is introduced via particle bombardment into thecells with the aim of introducing at least one exogenous polynucleotidemolecule into the chloroplasts. The exogenous polynucleotide is selectedsuch that it is integratable into the chloroplast's genome viahomologous recombination which is readily effected by enzymes inherentto the chloroplast. To this end, the exogenous polynucleotide includes,in addition to a gene of interest, at least one polynucleotide stretchwhich is derived from the chloroplast's genome. In addition, theexogenous polynucleotide includes a selectable marker, which serves bysequential selection procedures to ascertain that all or substantiallyall of the copies of the chloroplast genomes following such selectionwill include the exogenous polynucleotide. Further details relating tothis technique are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,050; and 5,693,507which are incorporated herein by reference. A polypeptide can thus beproduced by the protein expression system of the chloroplast and becomeintegrated into the chloroplast's inner membrane.

Since abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor inplants can involve multiple genes acting additively or in synergy (see,for example, in Quesda et al., Plant Physiol. 130:951-063, 2002), thepresent invention also envisages expressing a plurality of exogenouspolynucleotides in a single host plant to thereby achieve superioreffect on abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor.

Expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single hostplant can be effected by co-introducing multiple nucleic acidconstructs, each including a different exogenous polynucleotide, into asingle plant cell. The transformed cell can then be regenerated into amature plant using the methods described hereinabove.

Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in asingle host plant can be effected by co-introducing into a singleplant-cell a single nucleic-acid construct including a plurality ofdifferent exogenous polynucleotides. Such a construct can be designedwith a single promoter sequence which can transcribe a polycistronicmessenger RNA including all the different exogenous polynucleotidesequences. To enable co-translation of the different polypeptidesencoded by the polycistronic messager RNA, the polynucleotide sequencescan be inter-linked via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequencewhich facilitates translation of polynucleotide sequences positioneddownstream of the IRES sequence. In this case, a transcribedpolycistronic RNA molecule encoding the different polypeptides describedabove will be translated from both the capped 5′ end and the twointernal IRES sequences of the polycistronic RNA molecule to therebyproduce in the cell all different polypeptides. Alternatively, theconstruct can include several promoter sequences each linked to adifferent exogenous polynucleotide sequence.

The plant cell transformed with the construct including a plurality ofdifferent exogenous polynucleotides can be regenerated into a matureplant, using the methods described hereinabove.

Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides canbe effected by introducing different nucleic acid constructs, includingdifferent exogenous polynucleotides, into a plurality of plants. Theregenerated transformed plants can then be cross-bred and resultantprogeny selected for superior abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass,yield and/or vigor traits, using conventional plant breeding techniques.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant expressing theexogenous polynucleotide(s) is grown under normal conditions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprising growing the plant expressing the exogenous polynucleotide(s)under the abiotic stress.

Thus, the invention encompasses plants exogenously expressing (asdescribed above) the polynucleotide(s) and/or polypeptide(s) of theinvention. Once expressed within the plant cell or the entire plant, thelevel of the polypeptide encoded by the exogenous polynucleotide can bedetermined by methods well known in the art such as, activity assays,Western blots using antibodies capable of specifically binding thepolypeptide, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA),radio-immuno-assays (RIA), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry,immunofluorescence and the like.

Methods of determining the level in the plant of the RNA transcribedfrom the exogenous polynucleotide are well known in the art and include,for example, Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription polymerasechain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis (including quantitative,semi-quantitative or real-time RT-PCR) and RNA-in situ hybridization.

The polynucleotides and polypeptides described hereinabove can be usedin a wide range of economical plants, in a safe and cost effectivemanner.

The effect of the transgene (the exogenous polynucleotide encoding thepolypeptide) on abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/orvigor can be determined using known methods.

Abiotic stress tolerance—Transformed (i.e., expressing the transgene)and non-transformed (wild type) plants are exposed to an abiotic stresscondition, such as water deprivation, suboptimal temperature (lowtemperature, high temperature), nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, asalt stress condition, osmotic stress, heavy metal toxicity,anaerobiosis, atmospheric pollution and UV irradiation.

Salinity tolerance assay—Transgenic plants with tolerance to high saltconcentrations are expected to exhibit better germination, seedlingvigor or growth in high salt. Salt stress can be effected in many wayssuch as, for example, by irrigating the plants with a hyperosmoticsolution, by cultivating the plants hydroponically in a hyperosmoticgrowth solution (e.g., Hoagland solution with added salt), or byculturing the plants in a hyperosmotic growth medium [e.g., 50%Murashige-Skoog medium (MS medium) with added salt]. Since differentplants vary considerably in their tolerance to salinity, the saltconcentration in the irrigation water, growth solution, or growth mediumcan be adjusted according to the specific characteristics of thespecific plant cultivar or variety, so as to inflict a mild or moderateeffect on the physiology and/or morphology of the plants (for guidelinesas to appropriate concentration see, Bernstein and Kafkafi, Root GrowthUnder Salinity Stress In: Plant Roots, The Hidden Half 3rd ed. Waisel Y,Eshel A and Kafkafi U. (editors) Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2002, andreference therein).

For example, a salinity tolerance test can be performed by irrigatingplants at different developmental stages with increasing concentrationsof sodium chloride (for example 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, 400 mM NaCl)applied from the bottom and from above to ensure even dispersal of salt.Following exposure to the stress condition the plants are frequentlymonitored until substantial physiological and/or morphological effectsappear in wild type plants. Thus, the external phenotypic appearance,degree of wilting and overall success to reach maturity and yieldprogeny are compared between control and transgenic plants. Quantitativeparameters of tolerance measured include, but are not limited to, theaverage wet and dry weight, growth rate, leaf size, leaf coverage(overall leaf area), the weight of the seeds yielded, the average seedsize and the number of seeds produced per plant. Transformed plants notexhibiting substantial physiological and/or morphological effects, orexhibiting higher biomass than wild-type plants, are identified asabiotic stress tolerant plants.

Osmotic tolerance test—Osmotic stress assays (including sodium chlorideand PEG assays) are conducted to determine if an osmotic stressphenotype was sodium chloride-specific or if it was a general osmoticstress related phenotype. Plants which are tolerant to osmotic stressmay have more tolerance to drought and/or freezing. For salt and osmoticstress experiments, the medium is supplemented for example with 50 mM,100 mM, 200 mM NaCl or 15%, 20% or 25% PEG. See also Examples 6 and 7 ofthe Examples section which follows.

Drought tolerance assay/Osmoticum assay—Tolerance to drought isperformed to identify the genes conferring better plant survival afteracute water deprivation. To analyze whether the transgenic plants aremore tolerant to drought, an osmotic stress produced by the non-ionicosmolyte sorbitol in the medium can be performed. Control and transgenicplants are germinated and grown in plant-agar plates for 4 days, afterwhich they are transferred to plates containing 500 mM sorbitol. Thetreatment causes growth retardation, then both control and transgenicplants are compared, by measuring plant weight (wet and dry), yield, andby growth rates measured as time to flowering.

Conversely, soil-based drought screens are performed with plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides detailed above. Seeds from controlArabidopsis plants, or other transgenic plants overexpressing thepolypeptide of the invention are germinated and transferred to pots.Drought stress is obtained after irrigation is ceased accompanied byplacing the pots on absorbent paper to enhance the soil-drying rate.Transgenic and control plants are compared to each other when themajority of the control plants develop severe wilting. Plants arere-watered after obtaining a significant fraction of the control plantsdisplaying a severe wilting. Plants are ranked comparing to controls foreach of two criteria: tolerance to the drought conditions and recovery(survival) following re-watering.

Cold stress tolerance—One way to analyze cold stress is as follows.Mature (25 day old) plants are transferred to 4° C. chambers for 1 or 2weeks, with constitutive light. Later on plants are moved back togreenhouse. Two weeks later damages from chilling period, resulting ingrowth retardation and other phenotypes, are compared between controland transgenic plants, by measuring plant weight (wet and dry), and bycomparing growth rates measured as time to flowering, plant size, yield,and the like.

Heat stress tolerance—One way to measure heat stress tolerance is byexposing the plants to temperatures above 34° C. for a certain period.Plant tolerance is examined after transferring the plants back to 22° C.for recovery and evaluation after 5 days relative to internal controls(non-transgenic plants) or plants not exposed to neither cold or heatstress.

Germination tests—Germination tests compare the percentage of seeds fromtransgenic plants that could complete the germination process to thepercentage of seeds from control plants that are treated in the samemanner. Normal conditions are considered for example, incubations at 22°C. under 22-hour light 2-hour dark daily cycles. Evaluation ofgermination and seedling vigor is conducted between 4 and 14 days afterplanting. The basal media is 50% MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962Plant Physiology 15, 473-497).

Germination is checked also at unfavorable conditions such as cold(incubating at temperatures lower than 10° C. instead of 22° C.) orusing seed inhibition solutions that contain high concentrations of anosmolyte such as sorbitol (at concentrations of 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM,300 mM, 500 mM, and up to 1000 mM) or applying increasing concentrationsof salt (of 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, 300 mM, 500 mM NaCl).

Effect of the transgene on plant's growth, biomass, yield and/orvigor—Plant vigor can be calculated by the increase in growth parameterssuch as leaf area, fiber length, rosette diameter, plant fresh weightand the like per time.

The growth rate can be measured using digital analysis of growingplants. For example, images of plants growing in greenhouse on plotbasis can be captured every 3 days and the rosette area can becalculated by digital analysis. Rosette area growth is calculated usingthe difference of rosette area between days of sampling divided by thedifference in days between samples.

Measurements of seed yield can be done by collecting the total seedsfrom 8-16 plants together, weighting them using analytical balance anddividing the total weight by the number of plants. Seed per growing areacan be calculated in the same manner while taking into account thegrowing area given to a single plant. Increase seed yield per growingarea could be achieved by increasing seed yield per plant, and/or byincreasing number of plants capable of growing in a given area.

Evaluation of the seed yield per plant can be done by measuring theamount (weight or size) or quantity (i.e., number) of dry seeds producedand harvested from 8-16 plants and divided by the number of plants.

Evaluation of growth rate can be done by measuring plant biomassproduced, rosette area, leaf size or root length per time (can bemeasured in cm² per day of leaf area).

Fiber length can be measured using fibrograph. The fibrograph system wasused to compute length in terms of “Upper Half Mean” length. The upperhalf mean (UHM) is the average length of longer half of the fiberdistribution. The fibrograph measures length in span lengths at a givenpercentage point (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot)cottoninc (dot) com/ClassificationofCotton/?Pg=4#Length).

Thus, the present invention is of high agricultural value for promotingthe yield of commercially desired crops (e.g., biomass of vegetativeorgan such as poplar wood, or reproductive organ such as number of seedsor seed biomass).

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological,biochemical and medical arts.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineatedhereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimentalsupport in the following examples.

Examples

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a nonlimiting fashion.

Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory proceduresutilized in the present invention include molecular, biochemical,microbiological and recombinant DNA techniques. Such techniques arethoroughly explained in the literature. See, for example, “MolecularCloning: A laboratory Manual” Sambrook et al., (1989); “CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology” Volumes I-III Ausubel, R. M., ed.(1994); Ausubel et al., “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, JohnWiley and Sons, Baltimore, Md. (1989); Perbal, “A Practical Guide toMolecular Cloning”, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1988); Watson et al.,“Recombinant DNA”, Scientific American Books, New York; Birren et al.(eds) “Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual Series”, Vols. 1-4, ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York (1998); methodologies as setforth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,828; 4,683,202; 4,801,531; 5,192,659 and5,272,057; “Cell Biology: A Laboratory Handbook”, Volumes I-III Cellis,J. E., ed. (1994); “Current Protocols in Immunology” Volumes I-IIIColigan J. E., ed. (1994); Stites et al. (eds), “Basic and ClinicalImmunology” (8th Edition), Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Conn. (1994);Mishell and Shiigi (eds), “Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology”, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York (1980); available immunoassays areextensively described in the patent and scientific literature, see, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,791,932; 3,839,153; 3,850,752; 3,850,578;3,853,987; 3,867,517; 3,879,262; 3,901,654; 3,935,074; 3,984,533;3,996,345; 4,034,074; 4,098,876; 4,879,219; 5,011,771 and 5,281,521;“Oligonucleotide Synthesis” Gait, M. J., ed. (1984); “Nucleic AcidHybridization” Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., eds. (1985);“Transcription and Translation” Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., Eds.(1984); “Animal Cell Culture” Freshney, R. I., ed. (1986); “ImmobilizedCells and Enzymes” IRL Press, (1986); “A Practical Guide to MolecularCloning” Perbal, B., (1984) and “Methods in Enzymology” Vol. 1-317,Academic Press; “PCR Protocols: A Guide To Methods And Applications”,Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990); Marshak et al., “Strategiesfor Protein Purification and Characterization—A Laboratory CourseManual” CSHL Press (1996); all of which are incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein. Other general references are providedthroughout this document. The procedures therein are believed to be wellknown in the art and are provided for the convenience of the reader. Allthe information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.

Example 1 Identifying Putative Abiotic Stress—Tolerance and orYield/Biomass Increase Genes

The present inventors have identified genes which increase abioticstress-tolerance (ABST) and/or growth rate/yield/biomass/vigor, asfollows. The genes were validated in vivo as previously described inWO2004/104162 to the present assignee. All nucleotide sequence datasetsused here were originated from publicly available databases. Sequencedata from 50 different species (mainly plant species) was introducedinto a single, comprehensive database. Other information on geneexpression, protein annotation, enzymes and pathways were alsoincorporated. Major databases used include:

Genomes

-   -   Arabidopsis genome [TAIR genome version 6 (Hypertext Transfer        Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) arabidopsis (dot) org/)]    -   Rice genome [IRGSP build 4.0 (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://rgp        (dot) dna (dot) affrc (dot) go (dot) jp/IRGSP/)].    -   Poplar [Populus trichocarpa release 1.1 from JGI (assembly        release v1.0) (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web        (dot) genome (dot) jgi-psf (dot) org/)]    -   Brachypodium [JGI 4× assembly Hypertext Transfer        Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) brachpodium (dot) org)]    -   Soybean [DOE-JGI SCP, version Glyma0 (Hypertext Transfer        Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) phytozome (dot) net/)]    -   Grape [NCBI WGS assembly ftp://ftp (dot) ncbi (dot) nih (dot)        gov/genbank/wgs/)]    -   Castobean [TIGR/J Craig Venter Institute 4× assemby    -   Hypertext Transfer Protocol://msc (dot) jcvi (dot)        org/r_communis    -   Sorghum [DOE-JGI SCP, version Sbil Hypertext Transfer        Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) phytozome (dot) net/)].

Expressed EST and mRNA sequences were extracted from

-   -   GeneBank versions 154, 157, 160, 161, 164, and 165 (Hypertext        Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot)        nih (dot) gov/dbEST/)    -   RefSeq (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi        (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov/RefSeq/).    -   TAIR (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot)        arabidopsis (dot) org/).

Protein and pathway databases

-   -   Uniprot (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide        Web.expasy.uniprot.org/).    -   AraCyc (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot)        arabidopsis (dot) org/biocyc/index (dot) jsp).    -   ENZYME (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://expasy.org/enzyme/).

Microarray datasets were downloaded from

-   -   GEO (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide        Web.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/)    -   TAIR (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide        Web.arabidopsis.org/).    -   Proprietary Evogene's cotton fiber microarray data

QTL information

-   -   Gramene (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot)        gramene (dot) org/qtl/).

Database Assembly was performed to build a wide, rich, reliableannotated and easy to analyze database comprised of publicly availablegenomic mRNA, ESTs DNA sequences, data from various crops as well asgene expression, protein annotation and pathway data QTLs, and otherrelevant information.

Database assembly is comprised of a toolbox of gene refining,structuring, annotation and analysis tools enabling to construct atailored database for each gene discovery project. Gene refining andstructuring tools enable to reliably detect splice variants andantisense transcripts, generating understanding of various potentialphenotypic outcomes of a single gene. The capabilities of the “LEADS”platform of Compugen LTD for analyzing human genome have been confirmedand accepted by the scientific committee (“Widespread AntisenseTranscription”, Yelin, et al. (2003) Nature Biotechnology 21, 379-85;“Splicing of Alu Sequences”, Lev-Maor, et al. (2003) Science 300 (5623),1288-91), and have proven most efficient in plant genomics as well.

EST clustering and gene assembly—For clustering and assembly ofarabidopsis and rice genes the “genomic LEADS” version was employed.This tool allows most accurate clustering of ESTs and mRNA sequences ongenome, and predicts gene structure as well as alternative splicingevents and anti-sense transcription.

For organisms with no available full genome sequence data, “expressedLEADS” as well as TIGR (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web(dot) tigr (dot) org/) clustering software were applied. The results ofthe two clustering tools were compared and in cases where clusterspredicted by the two tools were significantly different, both versionswere presented and considered.

Gene annotation—Predicted genes and proteins were annotated as follows:

Blast search (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi(dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov (dot) library (dot) vu (dot) edu (dot)au/BLAST/) against all plant UniProt (Hypertext TransferProtocol://World Wide Web (dot) expasy (dot) uniprot (dot) org/)sequences was performed.

Frame-Finder (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ebi(dot) ac (dot) uk/˜guy/estate/) calculations with default statistics wasused to predict protein sequences for each transcript.

The predicted proteins were analyzed by InterPro (Hypertext TransferProtocol://World Wide Web (dot) ebi (dot) ac (dot) uk/interpro/).

Blast against proteins from AraCyc and ENZYME databases was used to mapthe predicted transcripts to AraCyc pathways.

Each transcript was compared using tblastx algorithm (Hypertext TransferProtocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov (dot)library (dot) vu (dot) edu (dot) au/BLAST/) against all other organismdatabases to validate the accuracy of the predicted protein sequence,and for efficient detection of orthologs.

Gene expression profiling—Few data sources were exploited for geneexpression profiling, namely microarray data and digital expressionprofile (see below). According to gene expression profile, a correlationanalysis was performed to identify genes which are co-regulated underdifferent development stages and environmental conditions.

Publicly available microarray datasets were downloaded from TAIR andNCBI GEO sites, renormalized, and integrated into the database.Expression profiling was one of the most important resource data foridentifying genes important for ABST. Moreover, when homolog genes fromdifferent crops were responsive to ABST, the genes were marked as“highly predictive to improve ABST”.

A digital expression profile summary was compiled for each clusteraccording to all keywords included in the sequence records comprisingthe cluster. Digital expression, also known as electronic Northern Blot,is a tool that displays virtual expression profile based on the ESTsequences forming the gene cluster. The tool can provide the expressionprofile of a cluster in terms of plant anatomy (in what tissues/organsis the gene expressed), developmental stage (the developmental stages atwhich a gene can be found) and profile of treatment (provides thephysiological conditions under which a gene is expressed such asdrought, cold, pathogen infection, etc). Given a random distribution ofESTs in the different clusters, the digital expression provides aprobability value that describes the probability of a cluster having atotal of N ESTs to contain X ESTs from a certain collection oflibraries. For the probability calculations are taken intoconsideration: a) the number of ESTs in the cluster, b) the number ofESTs of the implicated and related libraries, c) the overall number ofESTs available representing the species. Thereby clusters with lowprobability values are highly enriched with ESTs from the group oflibraries of interest indicating a specialized expression.

The concepts of orthology and paralogy have recently been applied tofunctional characterizations and classifications on the scale ofwhole-genome comparisons. Orthologs and paralogs constitute two majortypes of homologs: The first evolved from a common ancestor byspecialization, and the latter are related by duplication events. It isassumed that paralogs arising from ancient duplication events are likelyto have diverged in function while true orthologs are more likely toretain identical function over evolutionary time.

To further investigate and identify the ABST putative ortholog genesfrom monocot species, two computational methods were integrated:

(i) Method for alignments of ortholog sequences—based on constructionortholog groups across multiple eukaryotic taxa, using modifications onthe Markov cluster algorithm to group putative orthologs and paralogs.These putative orthologs were further organized under Phylogram—abranching diagram (tree) assumed to be an estimate of a phylogeny of thegenes.

(ii) Method for generating genes expression profile “DigitalExpression”—The present inventors have performed considerable work aimedat annotating sequences. Expression data was analyzed and the ESTlibraries were classified using a fixed vocabulary of custom terms suchas experimental treatments. The annotations from all the ESTs clusteredto a gene were analyzed statistically by comparing their frequency inthe cluster versus their abundance in the database, allowing toconstruct a numeric and graphic expression profile of that gene, whichis termed “digital expression”.

The rationale of using these two complementary methods is based on theassumption that true orthologs are likely to retain identical functionover evolutionary time. These two methods (sequence and expressionpattern) provide two different sets of indications on functionsimilarities between two homologous genes, similarities in the sequencelevel—identical amino acids in the protein domains and similarity inexpression profiles.

Overall, 110 genes were identified to have a major impact on ABST whenoverexpressed in plants. The identified ABST genes, their curatedpolynucleotide and polypeptide sequences, as well as their updatedsequences according to Genebank database are summarized in Table 1,hereinbelow.

TABLE 1 Identified ABST Genes SEQ SEQ ID ID NO: Gene NO: PolynucleotidePolypeptide Polynucleotide Name Cluster Name Organism PolypeptideDescription Description 1 MAB1 MAB1.0.rice|gb154|BM421111_T1 rice 201 2MAB1.1.rice|gb157.2|BM421111_T1 rice 202 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 3 MAB2MAB2.0.rice|gb154|AU225547_T1 rice No predicted protein 4MAB2.1.rice|gb157.2|AU225547_T1 rice updated to production gb157.2 5MAB3 MAB3.0.rice|gb154|BE039995_T1 rice 203 6MAB3.1.rice|gb157.2|BE039995_T1 rice 204 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 7 MAB4MAB4.0.rice|gb154|BI812277_T1 rice 205 8MAB4.7.rice|gb157.2|BI812277_CT1 rice curated 9 MAB5MAB5.0.rice|gb154|CB624106_T1 rice 206 10 MAB6MAB6.0.arabidopsis|gb154|Z47404_T1 arabidopsis 207 11 MAB7MAB7.0.arabidopsis|6|AT5G47560.1 arabidopsis 208 12MAB7.1.arabidopsis|gb165|AT5G47560_T1 arabidopsis 209 updated to updatedto production production gb165 gb165 13 MAB8MAB8.0.rice|gb154|BU672931_T1 rice 210 14 MAB8.7.rice|gb154|BU672931_T1rice Bioinformatics & DNA Curated 15 MAB9MAB9.0.arabidopsis|gb154|BE844934_T1 arabidopsis 211 16 MAB10MAB10.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 212 Z27056_T1 17 MAB11MAB11.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 213 Z34014_T1 18MAB11.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 214 updated to updated toAT5G52300_T1 production production gb165 gb165 19 MAB12MAB12.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 215 ATLTIL40_T1 20MAB12.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 216 updated to updated toAT5G52310_T1 production production gb165 gb165 21 MAB13MAB13.0.arabidopsis|6|AT2G38760.1 arabidopsis 217 22MAB13.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 218 updated to updated toAT2G38760_T1 production production gb165 gb165 23 MAB14MAB14.0.rice|gb154|AB042259_T1 rice 219 24MAB14.1.rice|gb157.2|AB042259_T1 rice 220 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 25 MAB15MAB15.0.sorghum|gb154|AI724695_T1 sorghum 221 26 MAB16MAB16.0.rice|gb154|BI795172_T1 rice 222 27MAB16.1.rice|gb157.2|BI795172_T1 rice 223 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 28 MAB17MAB17.0.soybean|gb154|BE821839_T1 soybean 224 29 MAB18MAB18.0.barley|gb154|BF625971_T1 barley 225 226 protein Bioinformatics &Protein Curated 30 MAB19 MAB19.0.sorghum|gb154|AW563861_T1 sorghum 22731 MAB19.1.sorghum|gb161.xeno| sorghum 228 updated to updated toAW563861_T1 production production gb161.xeno gb161.xeno 32 MAB20MAB20.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 229 T04691_T1 33MAB20.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 230 updated to updated toAT1G61890_T1 production production gb165 gb165 34 MAB21MAB21.0.rice|gb154|BE230053_T1 rice 231 35MAB21.1.rice|gb157.2|BE230053_T1 rice 232 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 36 MAB22MAB22.0.tomato|gb154|BG791299_T1 tomato 233 234 Curated 37 MAB23MAB23.0.rice|gb154|BI305810_T1 rice 235 38 MAB24MAB24.0.rice|gb154|BI808273_T1 rice 236 39MAB24.7.rice|gb157.2|BI808273_CT1 rice curated 40 MAB25MAB25.0.arabidopsis|6|AT1G27760.1 arabidopsis 237 41MAB25.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 238 updated to updated toAT1G27760_T1 production production gb165 gb165 42 MAB26MAB26.0.rice|gb154|AW155625_T1 rice 239 43MAB26.7.rice|gb157.2|BI305400_CT1 rice curated 44 MAB27MAB27.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 240 AY045660_T1 45MAB27.7.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis curated AT5G24120_CT1 46 MAB28MAB28.0.rice|gb154|BI795108_T1 rice 241 47MAB28.7.rice|gb157.2|BI795108_CT1 rice curated 48 MAB29MAB29.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 242 AU239137_T2 49MAB29.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 243 updated to updated toAT2G25600_T1 production production gb165 gb165 50 MAB30MAB30.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 244 AY062542_T1 51MAB30.7.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis Curated AT1G70300_CT1 52 MAB31MAB31.0.soybean|gb154|BI968709_T1 soybean 245 53MAB31.7.soybean|gb162|BI968709_CT1 soybean 246 Curated curated 54 MAB32MAB32.0.rice|gb154|AF039532_T1 rice 247 55 MAB33MAB33.0.maize|gb154|AI615215_T1 maize 248 56MAB33.1.maize|gb164|AI615215_T1 maize 249 updated to production gb164 57MAB34 MAB34.0.barley|gb154|TG_BF625450_T1 barley 250 58MAB34.1.barley|gb157.2|BF625450_T1 barley 251 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 59 MAB35MAB35.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 252 AA651513_T1 60MAB35.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 253 updated to updated toAT2G16890_T1 production production gb165 gb165 61 MAB36MAB36.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 254 AU239340_T1 62MAB36.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 255 updated to updated toAT4G27570_T1 production production gb165 gb165 63 MAB37MAB37.0.tomato|gb154|BG125939_T1 tomato 256 64MAB37.7.tomato|gb164|BG125939_CT1 tomato curated 65 MAB38MAB38.0.wheat|gb154|BE492836_T1 wheat 257 66MAB38.7.wheat|gb164|BE492836_CT1 wheat 258 curated curated 67 MAB39MAB39.0.barley|gb154|AL500200_T1 barley 259 68MAB39.1.barley|gb157.2|AL500200_T1 barley 260 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 69 MAB40MAB40.0.rice|gb154|AA754628_T1 rice 261 70MAB40.7.rice|gb157.2|AA754628_CT1 rice curated 71 MAB41MAB41.0.tomato|gb154|AI489494_T1 tomato 262 72MAB41.7.tomato|gb164|AI489494_CT1 tomato curated 73 MAB42MAB42.0.sorghum|gb154|BE595950_T1 sorghum 263 74MAB42.7.sorghum|gb161.xeno| sorghum 264 curated curated AI881418_CT1 75MAB43 MAB43.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 265 BE662945_T1 76MAB43.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 266 updated to updated toAT5G26920_T1 production production gb165 gb165 77 MAB44MAB44.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 267 H36025_T1 78MAB44.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 268 updated to updated toAT1G67360_T1 production production gb165 gb165 79 MAB45MAB45.0.wheat|gb154|TG_BQ172359_T1 wheat 269 80MAB45.1.wheat|gb164|BQ172359_T1 wheat 270 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 81 MAB46 MAB46.0.arabidopsis|gb154|arabidopsis 271 AA389812_T1 82 MAB47 MAB47.0.sorghum|gb154|AW672286_T1sorghum 272 83 MAB47.7.sorghum|gb161.xeno| sorghum 273 Curated CuratedAI948276_CT1 84 MAB48 MAB48.0.rice|gb154|BI802161_T1 rice 274 85MAB48.7.rice|gb157.2|AU092454_CT1 rice 275 curated curated 86 MAB49MAB49.0.maize|gb154|TG_AI621810_T1 maize 276 87MAB49.7.maize|gb164|AI621810_CT1 maize Curated 88 MAB50MAB50.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 277 W43146_T1 89MAB50.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 278 updated to updated toAT5G48570_T1 production production gb165 gb165 90 MAB91MAB91.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 279 AU236480_T1 280 curated 91MAB96 MAB96.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 281 Z27256_T1 92MAB96.7.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 282 curated curated AT5G03800_CT193 MAB99 MAB99.0.tomato|gb154|BG735056_T1 tomato 283 94 MAB100MAB100.0.arabidopsis|gb154| arabidopsis 284 Z37259_T1 95MAB100.1.arabidopsis|gb165| arabidopsis 285 updated to updated toAT1G01470_T1 production production gb165 gb165 96 MAB104MAB104.0.rice|gb154|BE039215_T1 rice 286 97MAB104.1.rice|gb157.2|BE039215_T1 rice 287 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 98 MAB121MAB121.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 288 CA079500_T1 99MAB121.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 289 updated to updated toCA079500_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 100 MAB122MAB122.0.maize|gb154|AI901344_T9 maize 290 101 MAB123MAB123.0.barley|gb157|BF626638_T1 barley 291 102MAB123.1.barley|gb157.2|BF626638_T1 barley 292 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 103 MAB124MAB124.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 293 CA284042_T1 104MAB124.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 294 updated to updated toCA284042_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 105 MAB125MAB125.0.rice|gb157|CF957213_T1 rice 295 106MAB125.1.rice|gb157.2|CF957213_T1 rice 296 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 107 MAB126MAB126.0.grape|gb157|BQ797309_T1 grape 297 108MAB126.1.grape|gb160|BQ797309_T1 grape 298 updated to updated toproduction production gb160 gb160 109 MAB127MAB127.0.grape|gb157|CB971532_T1 grape 299 110MAB127.1.grape|gb160|CB971532_T1 grape 300 updated to updated toproduction production gb160 gb160 111 MAB128 MAB128.0.sugarcane|gb157|sugarcane 301 CA142162_T1 112 MAB128.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 302updated to updated to CA142162_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2113 MAB129 MAB129.0.tomato|gb157|AI486106_T1 tomato 303 114MAB129.1.tomato|gb164|AI486106_T1 tomato 304 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 115 MAB130MAB130.0.canola|gb157|CD829694_T1 canola 305 116 MAB131MAB131.0.tomato|gb157|AW928843_T1 tomato 306 117MAB131.1.tomato|gb164|AW928843_T1 tomato 307 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 118 MAB132MAB132.0.barley|gb157|BF621624_T1 barley 308 119 MAB133MAB133.0.barley|gb157|BE411546_T1 barley 309 120MAB133.1.barley|gb157.2|BE411546_T1 barley 310 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 121 MAB134MAB134.0.barley|gb157|BE437407_T1 barley 311 312 protein Bioinformatics& Protein Curated 122 MAB135 MAB135.0.lotus|gb157|AI967693_T1 lotus 313123 MAB135.1.lotus|gb157.2|AI967693_T1 lotus 314 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 124 MAB136MAB136.0.rice|gb157|AK058573_T1 rice 315 125MAB136.1.rice|gb157.2|AK058573_T1 rice 316 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 126 MAB137MAB137.0.barley|gb157|AL508624_T1 barley 317 from provisional patent 127MAB137.1.barley|gb157.2|AL508624_T1 barley 318 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 128 MAB138MAB138.0.potato|gb157|BI177281_T1 potato 319 from provisional patent 129MAB138.1.potato|gb157.2|BI177281_T1 potato 320 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 130 MAB139MAB139.0.cotton|gb157.2|AI727826_T1 cotton 321 from provisional patent131 MAB139.1.cotton|gb164|AI727826_T1 cotton 322 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 132 MAB140MAB140.0.barley|gb157|BI778498_T1 barley 323 from provisional patent 133MAB140.1.barley|gb157.2|BI778498_T1 barley 324 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 134 MAB141MAB141.0.barley|gb157|BE421008_T1 barley 325 from provisional patent 135MAB142 MAB142.0.cotton|gb157.2|AI055631_T2 cotton 326 from provisionalpatent 136 MAB142.0.cotton|gb157.2|AI055631_T1 cotton 327 fromprovisional patent 137 MAB142.1.cotton|gb164|AW187041_T1 cotton 328updated to updated to production production gb164 gb164 138 MAB143MAB143.0.tomato|gb157|AI487157_T1 tomato 329 from provisional patent 139MAB143.1.tomato|gb164|AI487157_T1 tomato 330 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 140 MAB144MAB144.0.grape|gb157|CA814960_T1 grape 331 from provisional patent 141MAB144.1.grape|gb160|CA814960_T1 grape 332 updated to updated toproduction production gb160 gb160 142 MAB145MAB145.0.barley|gb157|BE413365_T1 barley 333 from provisional patent 143MAB146 MAB146.0.tomato|gb157|AI773927_T1 tomato 334 from provisionalpatent 144 MAB146.1.tomato|gb164|AI773927_T1 tomato 335 updated toupdated to production production gb164 gb164 145 MAB147MAB147.0.tobacco|gb157|EB446189_T1 tobacco 336 146MAB147.1.tobacco|gb162|EB446189_T1 tobacco 337 updated to updated toproduction production gb162 gb162 147 MAB148 MAB148.0.medicago|gb157|medicago 338 AW256654_T1 148 MAB148.1.medicago|gb157.2| medicago 339updated to updated to AW256654_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2149 MAB150 MAB150.0.canola|gb157|CD818831_T1 canola 340 150MAB150.1.canola|gb161|CD818831_T1 canola 341 updated to updated toproduction production gb161 gb161 151 MAB151MAB151.0.potato|gb157|BQ513540_T1 potato 342 152MAB151.1.potato|gb157.2|BQ513540_T1 potato 343 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 153 MAB152MAB152.0.grape|gb157|BQ798655_T1 grape 344 154MAB152.1.grape|gb160|BQ798655_T1 grape 345 updated to updated toproduction production gb160 gb160 155 MAB153 MAB153.0.sugarcane|gb157|sugarcane 346 BQ533857_T1 156 MAB153.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 347updated to updated to BQ533857_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2157 MAB154 MAB154.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 348 BQ537570_T3 158MAB154.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 349 BQ537570_T2 159MAB154.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 350 BQ537570_T1 160MAB154.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 351 updated to updated toBQ537570_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 161 MAB155MAB155.0.sorghum|gb157|AW676730_T1 sorghum 352 162MAB155.1.sorghum|gb161.xeno| sorghum 353 updated to updated toAW676730_T1 production production gb161.xeno gb161.xeno 163 MAB156MAB156.0.tobacco|gb157|AB117525_T1 tobacco 354 164MAB156.1.tobacco|gb162|AB117525_T1 tobacco 355 updated to updated toproduction production gb162 gb162 165 MAB157 MAB157.0.sugarcane|gb157|sugarcane 356 BQ533820_T2 166 MAB157.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 357BQ533820_T1 167 MAB157.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 358 updated toupdated to BQ533820_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 168 MAB158MAB158.0.cotton|gb157.2|AI054450_T1 cotton 359 169 MAB159MAB159.0.canola|gb157|CD818468_T1 canola 360 170 MAB160MAB160.0.barley|gb157|BF622450_T1 barley 361 171 MAB161MAB161.0.poplar|gb157|BU896597_T1 poplar 362 172MAB161.1.poplar|gb157.2|BU896597_T1 poplar 363 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 173 MAB162MAB162.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 364 BU102611_T1 174MAB162.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 365 updated to updated toBU102611_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 175 MAB163MAB163.0.barley|gb157|AL501813_T1 barley 366 176MAB163.1.barley|gb157.2|AL501813_T1 barley 367 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 177 MAB164MAB164.0.barley|gb157|BF253543_T1 barley 368 178MAB164.1.barley|gb157.2|BF253543_T1 barley 369 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 179 MAB165MAB165.0.grape|gb157|BQ793123_T1 grape 370 180 MAB166MAB166.0.poplar|gb157|CV228694_T1 poplar 371 181MAB166.1.poplar|gb157.2|CV228694_T1 poplar 372 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 182 MAB167MAB167.0.canola|gb157|CX278043_T1 canola 373 183MAB167.1.canola|gb161|CX278043_T1 canola 374 updated to updated toproduction production gb161 gb161 184 MAB168MAB168.0.grape|gb157|BG273815_T1 grape 375 185MAB168.1.grape|gb160|BG273815_T1 grape 376 updated to updated toproduction production gb160 gb160 186 MAB169MAB169.0.cotton|gb157.2|COTLEA14B_T1 cotton 377 187MAB169.1.cotton|gb164|COTLEA14B_T1 cotton 378 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 188 MAB170MAB170.0.barley|gb157|BE412505_T1 barley 379 189MAB170.1.barley|gb157.2|BE412505_T1 barley 380 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 190 MAB171MAB171.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 381 CA123631_T1 191MAB171.1.sugarcane|gb157.2| sugarcane 382 updated to updated toCA123631_T1 production production gb157.2 gb157.2 192 MAB172MAB172.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 383 BQ478980_T1 193MAB172.0.sugarcane|gb157| sugarcane 384 BQ478980_T2 194 MAB173MAB173.0.barley|gb157|BY836652_T1 barley 385 195MAB173.1.barley|gb157.2|BY836652_T1 barley 386 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 196 MAB174MAB174.0.barley|gb157|BG342904_T1 barley 387 197MAB174.1.barley|gb157.2|BG342904_T1 barley 388 updated to updated toproduction production gb157.2 gb157.2 198 MAB175MAB175.0.tomato|gb157|BG126606_T1 tomato 389 199MAB175.0.tomato|gb157|BG126606_T2 tomato 390 200MAB175.1.tomato|gb164|BG126606_T1 tomato 391 updated to updated toproduction production gb164 gb164 1653 MAB66MAB66.0.tomato|gb164|BG124832_CT1 tomato 1651Polynucleotides and polypeptides with significant homology to theidentified ABST genes have been identified from the databases usingBLAST software using the BlastX algorithm. The query nucleotidesequences were SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21,23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52,54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 98, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115,116, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 135, 138, 140,142, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 161, 163, 165, 168, 169,170, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194,196, 198 and 1653, and the identified ABST homologs are provided inTable 2, below.

TABLE 2 ABST Gene homologs Poly- nucleotide Polypeptide SEQ SEQ Homologto a polypeptide % ID ID encoded by polynucleotide Global NO: Clustername Organism NO: SEQ ID NO. identity 392 apple|gb157.3|CN444532_T1apple 961 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 85 393 apple|gb157.3|CN445371_T1apple 962 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 87 394 apple|gb157.3|CN878026_T1 apple963 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane 80 395 apple|gb157.3|CK900582_T1 apple964 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 85 396 apple|gb157.3|CN888579_T2 apple 965Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 397 apple|gb157.3|CN888579_T3 apple 966Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 398 apple|gb157.3|CO066535_T1 apple 967Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 399 apple|gb157.3|CN888579_T1 apple 968Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 400 apple|gb157.3|CN496860_T1 apple 969Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 81 401 apricot|gb157.2|BQ134642_T1 apricot 970Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 82 402 apricot|gb157.2|CB822088_T1 apricot 971Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 403 aquilegia|gb157.3|DR915383_T1 aquilegia972 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 83 404 aquilegia|gb157.3|DR913600_T1aquilegia 973 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 83 405aquilegia|gb157.3|DR920101_T1 aquilegia 974 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 87406 aquilegia|gb157.3|DT727583_T1 aquilegia 975 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley80 407 aquilegia|gb157.3|DR918523_T1 aquilegia 976Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 82 408 arabidopsis|gb165|AT1G67890_T2 arabidopsis977 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 409 arabidopsis|gb165|AT1G78070_T2arabidopsis 978 Seq207.MAB6.15.arabidopsis 97 410arabidopsis|gb165|AT1G52890_T3 arabidopsis 979Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 85 411 arabidopsis|gb165|AT3G06620_T1arabidopsis 980 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 80 412arabidopsis|gb165|AT1G67890_T1 arabidopsis 981 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum80 413 arabidopsis|gb165|AT5G14860_T1 arabidopsis 982Seq341.MAB150.15.canola 80 414 arabidopsis|gb165|AT5G49470_T2arabidopsis 983 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 81 415arabidopsis|gb165|AT5G49470_T1 arabidopsis 984 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum81 416 arabidopsis|gb165|AT3G24170_T1 arabidopsis 985Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 417 arabidopsis|gb165|AT1G11670_T1 arabidopsis986 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 84 418 arabidopsis|gb165|AT3G25230_T1arabidopsis 987 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 419arabidopsis|gb165|AT4G32500_T2 arabidopsis 988Seq242.MAB29.15.arabidopsis 81 420 arabidopsis|gb165|AT5G06760_T1arabidopsis 989 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 84 421arabidopsis|gb165|AT4G27410_T3 arabidopsis 990Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 94 422 arabidopsis|gb165|AT4G27560_T1arabidopsis 991 Seq254.MAB36.15.arabidopsis 94 423artemisia|gb164|EY047508_T1 artemisia 992 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 424artemisia|gb164|EY060376_T1 artemisia 993 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85 425artemisia|gb164|EY089381_T1 artemisia 994 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 426artemisia|gb164|EY042537_T1 artemisia 995 Seq349.MAB154.15.sugarcana 80427 b_juncea|gb164|EVGN00102008310737_T1 b_juncea 996Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 97 428 b_juncea|gb164|EVGN08486004170336_T1b_juncea 997 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 94 429b_juncea|gb164|EVGN00429914360666_T1 b_juncea 998 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape83 430 b_juncea|gb164|EVGN00258430752139P1_T1 b_juncea 999Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 431 b_juncea|gb164|EVGN01568909822952_T1b_juncea 1000 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 98 432b_oleracea|gb161|DY029719_T1 b_oleracea 1001 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82433 b_oleracea|gb161|AM385106_T1 b_oleracea 1002 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola96 434 b_oleracea|gb161|AM387179_T1 b_oleracea 1003Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 91 435 b_oleracea|gb161|AM061306_T1 b_oleracea1004 Seq284.MAB1.00.15.arabidopsis 86 436 b_oleracea|gb161|AB125639_T1b_oleracea 1005 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 437 b_rapa|gb162|EE523634_T1b_rapa 1006 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 92 438 b_rapa|gb162|EX024909_T1b_rapa 1007 Seq217.MAB13.15.arabidopsis 83 439 b_rapa|gb162|EX070158_T2b_rapa 1008 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 95 440 b_rapa|gb162|CA992067_T1b_rapa 1009 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 94 441 b_rapa|gb162|EE520623_T1b_rapa 1010 Seq280.MAB91.10.arabidopsis 89 442 b_rapa|gb162|CV545896_T1b_rapa 1011 Seq208.MAB7.15.arabidopsis 88 443 b_rapa|gb162|CO749564_T1b_rapa 1012 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 444 b_rapa|gb162|CV434105_T1b_rapa 1013 Seq217.MAB13.15.arabidopsis 83 445 b_rapa|gb162|AF008441_T1b_rapa 1014 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 446 b_rapa|gb162|EX070158_T1b_rapa 1015 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 86 447 b_rapa|gb162|EX088727_T1b_rapa 1016 Seq271.MAB46.15.arabidopsis 93 448 b_rapa|gb162|BG544469_T1b_rapa 1017 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 82 449 b_rapa|gb162|DN962625_T1b_rapa 1018 Seq237.MAB25.15.arabidopsis 85 450 b_rapa|gb162|CV544672_T1b_rapa 1019 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabidosis 88 451barley|gb157.2|BI947678_T1 barley 1020 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 92 452barley|gb157.2|AV835424_T1 barley 1021 Seq257.MAB38.15.wheat 97 453barley|gb157.2|BE455969_T1 barley 1022 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 84 454barley|gb157.2|BE519575_T2 barley 1023 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 81 455barley|gb157.2|BF625959_T1 barley 1024 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 83 456barley|gb157.2|BQ461470_T1 barley 1025 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarcane 82 457basilicum|gb157.3|DY333033_T1 basilicum 1026 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87458 bean|gb164|CB542809_T1 bean 1027 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 459bean|gb164|CV529652_T1 bean 1028 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 83 460bean|gb164|CB543453_T1 bean 1029 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 461bean|gb164|CV535253_T1 bean 1030 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 462beet|gb162|BQ592516_T1 beet 1031 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 463beet|gb162|BQ488223_T1 beet 1032 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 88 464beet|gb162|BQ583768_T1 beet 1033 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 85 465beet|gb162|BQ591963_T1 beet 1034 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 466brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE519575_T1 brachypodium 1035Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarcane 85 467 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BG368321_T1brachypodium 1036 Seq247.MAB32.15.rice 81 468brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE400652_T1 brachypodium 1037Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 95 469 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|AL502884_T1brachypodium 1038 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 82 470brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BY836652_T1 brachypodium 1039Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 90 471 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE414917_T1brachypodium 1040 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 472brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BF202085_T1 brachypodium 1041Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 83 473 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE406378_T1brachypodium 1042 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 474brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE517562_T1 brachypodium 1043Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 85 475 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE420294_T1brachypodium 1044 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 85 476brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BG369416_T1 brachypodium 1045Seq270.MAB45.15.wheat 89 477 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE406039_T2brachypodium 1046 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 93 478brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE418087_T1 brachypodium 1047Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 86 479 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE470780_T1brachypodium 1048 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 81 480brachypodium|gb161.xeno|AV835424_T1 brachypodium 1049Seq257.MAB38.15.wheat 93 481 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE398656_T1brachypodium 1050 Seq308.MAB132.15.barley 93 482brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE437407_T1 brachypodium 1051Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 98 483 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE406039_T3brachypodium 1052 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 81 484brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE490408_T1 brachypodium 1053Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 80 485 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE403745_T1brachypodium 1054 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 92 486brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE490591_T1 brachypodium 1055Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 87 487 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BQ461470_T2brachypodium 1056 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarcane 85 488brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE517562_T2 brachypodium 1057Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 83 489 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE413341_T1brachypodium 1058 Seq336.MAB147.15.tobacco 80 490brachypodium|gb161.xeno|BE515529_T1 brachypodium 1059Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 96 491 brachypodium|gb161.xeno|DV471778_T1brachypodium 1060 Seq348.MAB154.15.sugarcane 83 492canola|gb161|EL587045_T1 canola 1061 Seq277.MAB50.15.arabidopsis 87 493canola|gb161|CX279297_T1 canola 1062 Seq280.MAB91.10.arabidopsis 85 494canola|gb161|CD815143_T1 canola 1063 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 495canola|gb161|CD831036_T1 canola 1064 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabidopsis 86 496canola|gb161|EE466962_T1 canola 1065 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 83 497canola|gb161|CN726580_T1 canola 1066 Seq305.MAB130.15.canola 89 498canola|gb161|CD829644_T1 canola 1067 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 86 499canola|gb161|AY245887_T1 canola 1068 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 87 500canola|gb161|EE411591_T1 canola 1069 Seq207.MAB6.15.arabidopsis 88 501canola|gb161|DY020345_T1 canola 1070 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 92 502canola|gb161|CD820718_T1 canola 1071 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 95 503canola|gb161|CX189134_T1 canola 1072 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 81 504canola|gb161|EG021120_T1 canola 1073 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 83 505canola|gb161|ES906182_T1 canola 1074 Seq244.MAB30.15.arabidopsis 92 506canola|gb161|ES911977_T1 canola 1075 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 88 507canola|gb161|CD814410_T1 canola 1076 Seq217.MAB13.15.arabidopsis 81 508canola|gb161|ES904177_T1 canola 1077 Seq208.MAB7.15.arabidopsis 87 509canola|gb161|CD813775_T1 canola 1078 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 510canola|gb161|CD824419_T1 canola 1079 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 94 511canola|gb161|CD825454_T1 canola 1080 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 90 512canola|gb161|CD834184_T1 canola 1081 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabidopsis 88 513canola|gb161|EE469078_T1 canola 1082 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 83 514canola|gb161|GFXAJ535111X1_T1 canola 1083 Seq305.MAB130.15.canola 99 515canola|gb161|EE448267_T1 canola 1084 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 516canola|gb161|CX193415_T1 canola 1085 Seq237.MAB25.15.arabidopsis 85 517canola|gb161|CD813278_T1 canola 1086 Seq375.MAB168.15.grape 80 518castorbean|gb160|MDL28401M000077_T1 castorbean 1087Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 86 519 castorbean|gb160|EE258294_T1 castorbean1088 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 520 castorbean|gb160|MDL28066M000021_T1castorbean 1089 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 521castorbean|gb160|AM267339_T1 castorbean 1090 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 522castorbean|gb160|EG659656_T1 castorbean 1091 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83523 castorbean|gb160|EG656754_T1 castorbean 1092 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum82 524 castorbean|gb160|EE259826_T1 castorbean 1093Seq362.MAB161.15.poplar 83 525 castorbean|gb160|EG659299_T1 castorbean1094 Seq300.MAB127.15.grape 81 526 castorbean|gb160|EE259565_T1castorbean 1095 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 527castorbean|gb160|EE255133_T1 castorbean 1096 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 84528 castorbean|gb160|MDL29822M003364_T1 castorbean 1097Seq336.MAB147.15.tobacco 82 529 castorbean|gb160|EG661241_T1 castorbean1098 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 85 530 centaurea|gb161|EH713943_T1centaurea 1099 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 82 531centaurea|gb161|EH724589_T1 centaurea 1100 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84 532centaurea|gb161|EH717520_T1 centaurea 1101 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 80533 centaurea|gb161|EH711566_T1 centaurea 1102 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81534 centaurea|gb161|EH713337_T1 centaurea 1103 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81535 centaurea|gb161|EH713628_T1 centaurea 1104 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83536 centaurea|gb161|EH738263_T1 centaurea 1105 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley80 537 centaurea|gb161|EH727723_T1 centaurea 1106 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato84 538 cichorium|gb161|DT212291_T1 cichorium 1107 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape80 539 cichorium|gb161|DT211081_T1 cichorium 1108 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape83 540 cichorium|gb161|EH692437_T1 cichorium 1109 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato86 541 cichorium|gb161|DT212218_T1 cichorium 1110 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato89 542 citrus|gb157.2|CB290836_T1 citrus 1111 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85543 citrus|gb157.2|BQ624861_T1 citrus 1112 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 82 544citrus|gb157.2|BQ624727_T1 citrus 1113 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 545citrus|gb157.2|CB290836_T2 citrus 1114 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 86 546citrus|gb157.2|CX672218_T2 citrus 1115 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 83 547citrus|gb157.2|CF504250_T1 citrus 1116 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 82 548citrus|gb157.2|CK933948_T1 citrus 1117 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 549clover|gb162|BB926896_T1 clover 1118 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 82 550clover|gb162|BB904696_T1 clover 1119 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 84 551coffea|gb157.2|DV676382_T1 coffea 1120 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 552coffea|gb157.2|DV688680_T1 coffea 1121 Seq332.MAB144.15.grape 83 553coffea|gb157.2|DQ124044_T1 coffea 1122 Seq303.MAB129.15.tomato 80 554cotton|gb164|BF268276_T1 cotton 1123 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 555cotton|gb164|CO113031_T1 cotton 1124 Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 80 556cotton|gb164|AI730186_T1 cotton 1125 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 557cotton|gb164|CO103100_T1 cotton 1126 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 558cotton|gb164|BE051970_T1 cotton 1127 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 559cotton|gb164|AI725698_T1 cotton 1128 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85 560cotton|gb164|AI728290_T1 cotton 1129 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 561cotton|gb164|AI055482_T1 cotton 1130 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 562cotton|gb164|ES794517_T1 cotton 1131 Seq327.MAB142.15.cotton 81 563cotton|gb164|BF268276_T2 cotton 1132 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 564cotton|gb164|CO109448_T1 cotton 1133 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 565cotton|gb164|DT459182_T1 cotton 1134 Seq375.MAB168.15.grape 84 566cotton|gb164|BG441162_T1 cotton 1135 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 567cowpea|gb165|FF390508_T1 cowpea 1136 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84 568cowpea|gb165|FF390203_T1 cowpea 1137 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 86 569cowpea|gb165|DQ267475_T1 cowpea 1138 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 570cowpea|gb165|FF382851_T1 cowpea 1139 Seq224.MAB17.15.soybean 89 571cowpea|gb165|FF394009_T1 cowpea 1140 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 572dandelion|gb161|DQ160099_T1 dandelion 1141 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 82 573dandelion|gb161|DY823013_T1 dandelion 1142 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 82 574dandelion|gb161|DY820394_T2 dandelion 1143 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 575dandelion|gb161|DY813450_T2 dandelion 1144 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 576dandelion|gb161|DY820394_T1 dandelion 1145 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 577fescue|gb161|DT687914_T1 fescue 1146 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 93 578fescue|gb161|DT702477_T1 fescue 1147 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 87 579fescue|gb161|DT705881_T1 fescue 1148 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 96 580fescue|gb161|DT682501_T1 fescue 1149 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 82 581fescue|gb161|DT699000_T1 fescue 1150 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 90 582fescue|gb161|DT706685_T1 fescue 1151 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 96 583fescue|gb161|DT698326_T1 fescue 1152 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 95 584fescue|gb161|DT677453_T1 fescue 1153 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 95 585fescue|gb161|DT674734_T1 fescue 1154 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 88 586ginger|gb164|DY377113_T1 ginger 1155 Seq223.MAB16.15.rice 81 587grape|gb160|BQ792651_T1 grape 1156 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 84 588grape|gb160|BQ793581_T1 grape 1157 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 80 589iceplant|gb164|BM658279_T1 iceplant 1158 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 590iceplant|gb164|BE034140_T1 iceplant 1159 Seq303.MAB129.15.tomato 81 591ipomoea|gb157.2|AU224303_T1 ipomoea 1160 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 592ipomoea|gb157.2|AU224807_T1 ipomoea 1161 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 80 593ipomoea|gb157.2|CJ758382_T1 ipomoea 1162 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 83 594lettuce|gb157.2|DW048067_T1 lettuce 1163 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 595lettuce|gb157.2|DW046482_T1 lettuce 1164 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 596lettuce|gb157.2|DW062524_T1 lettuce 1165 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 597lettuce|gb157.2|DW048641_T1 lettuce 1166 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 598lettuce|gb157.2|DW055618_T1 lettuce 1167 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 80 599lettuce|gb157.2|DY961700_T2 lettuce 1168 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 83600 lettuce|gb157.2|DW075962_T1 lettuce 1169 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87601 lettuce|gb157.2|DW047202_T1 lettuce 1170 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83602 lotus|gb157.2|BF177835_T1 lotus 1171 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 603lotus|gb157.2|BW601503_T1 lotus 1172 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 84 604maize|gb164|T15319_T2 maize 1173 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 605maize|gb164|AI649734_T1 maize 1174 Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 90 606maize|gb164|BE638692_T1 maize 1175 Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 88 607maize|gb164|AW498283_T1 maize 1176 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 80 608maize|gb164|AI622375_T1 maize 1177 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 90 609maize|gb164|BQ034409_T1 maize 1178 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 100 610maize|gb164|EC895235_T1 maize 1179 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 86 611maize|gb164|AI947795_T2 maize 1180 Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 80 612maize|gb164|AI947974_T1 maize 1181 Seq227.MAB19.15.sorghum 93 613maize|gb164|AI619086_T1 maize 1182 Seq346.MAB153.15.sugarcane 95 614maize|gb164|AA143925_T1 maize 1183 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 94 615maize|gb164|AW179463_T1 maize 1184 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 82 616maize|gb164|BE051802_T1 maize 1185 Seq231.MAB21.15.rice 89 617maize|gb164|AI942091_T1 maize 1186 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 89 618maize|gb164|AI944064_T1 maize 1187 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarcane 96 619maize|gb164|T15319_T1 maize 1188 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 620maize|gb164|AI782993_T1 maize 1189 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 82 621maize|gb164|T26945_T1 maize 1190 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 622maize|gb164|AI941749_T1 maize 1191 Seq269.MAB45.15.wheat 91 623maize|gb164|AI891255_T1 maize 1192 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 95 624maize|gb164|CD975046_T1 maize 1193 Seq203.MAB3.15.rice 88 625maize|gb164|AW360563_T1 maize 1194 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 81 626maize|gb164|AI901860_T1 maize 1195 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 85 627maize|gb164|AI948098_T1 maize 1196 Seq381.MAB171.15.sugarcane 95 628maize|gb164|AI444730_T1 maize 1197 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 629maize|gb164|AW216308_T1 maize 1198 Seq288.MAB121.15.sugarcane 89 630maize|gb164|BM268089_T1 maize 1199 Seq381.MAB171.15.sugarcane 92 631maize|gb164|AI438597_T1 maize 1200 Seq352.MAB155.15.sorghum 91 632maize|gb164|AW927739_T1 maize 1201 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane 97 633maize|gb164|AI891255_T2 maize 1202 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 95 634maize|gb164|AI920760_T1 maize 1203 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 89 635medicago|gb157.2|AI974487_T1 medicago 1204 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 87 636medicago|gb157.2|BE325770_T1 medicago 1205 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 637medicago|gb157.2|AW685603_T1 medicago 1206 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 82 638medicago|gb157.2|AL368329_T1 medicago 1207 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 80639 medicago|gb157.2|AW688497_T1 medicago 1208 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80640 medicago|gb157.2|AL377093_T1 medicago 1209 Seq224.MAB17.15.soybean80 641 medicago|gb157.2|AI974241_T1 medicago 1210Seq334.MAB146.15.tomato 83 642 medicago|gb157.2|BF632135_T1 medicago1211 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 85 643 melon|gb165|DV633691_T1 melon 1212Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 644 melon|gb165|DV632564_T1 melon 1213Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 645 melon|gb165|DV633584_T1 melon 1214Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 86 646 melon|gb165|AM714958_T1 melon 1215Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 647 nicotiana_benthamiana|gb162|nicotiana_bent 1216 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 95 EH364164_T1 hamiana 648oat|gb164|CN816769_T1 oat 1217 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 94 649oat|gb164|BE439108_T1 oat 1218 Seq312.MAB134.10.barley 85 650onion|gb162|CF437899_T1 onion 1219 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 651onion|gb162|CF437716_T1 onion 1220 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 82 652onion|gb162|CF439314_T1 onion 1221 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 653papaya|gb165|EX245596_T1 papaya 1222 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 88 654papaya|gb165|EX299345_T1 papaya 1223 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 82 655papaya|gb165|EX248971_T1 papaya 1224 Seq362.MAB161.15.poplar 86 656papaya|gb165|EX227965_T1 papaya 1225 Seq332.MAB144.15.grape 83 657papaya|gb165|EX264060_T1 papaya 1226 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 89 658papaya|gb165|EX291966_T1 papaya 1227 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 659peach|gb157.2|BU039922_T1 peach 1228 Seq300.MAB127.15.grape 82 660peach|gb157.2|BU039373_T1 peach 1229 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 83 661peach|gb157.2|AJ631618_T1 peach 1230 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 662peach|gb157.2|BU040470_T1 peach 1231 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 89 663peach|gb157.2|BU039381_T1 peach 1232 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 664peanut|gb161|ES754023_T1 peanut 1233 Seq332.MAB144.15.grape 80 665peanut|gb161|EH043199_T1 peanut 1234 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 666pepper|gb157.2|BM063531_T1 pepper 1235 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 96 667pepper|gb157.2|BM062846_T1 pepper 1236 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 82 668pepper|gb157.2|BM061776_T1 pepper 1237 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 90 669pepper|gb157.2|BM064151_T1 pepper 1238 Seq306.MAB131.15.tomato 88 670pepper|gb157.2|BM061313_T1 pepper 1239 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 86 671pepper|gb157.2|BI480604_T1 pepper 1240 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 672periwinkle|gb164|EG559012_T1 periwinkle 1241 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80673 petunia|gb157.2|CV292753_T1 petunia 1242 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80674 petunia|gb157.2|CV298220_T1 petunia 1243 Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 81675 pine|gb157.2|DR088714_T1 pine 1244 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 80 676pine|gb157.2|AW290504_T1 pine 1245 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 82 677pineapple|gb157.2|CO731309_T1 pineapple 1246 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 83 678pineapple|gb157.2|DT336648_T1 pineapple 1247 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 81679 pineapple|gb157.2|CO731994_T1 pineapple 1248 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80680 poplar|gb157.2|AI162293_T1 poplar 1249 Seq298.MAB126.15.grape 82 681poplar|gb157.2|AI165439_T1 poplar 1250 Seq298.MAB126.15.grape 80 682poplar|gb157.2|AI162293_T3 poplar 1251 Seq298.MAB126.15.grape 80 683poplar|gb157.2|BI120274_T3 poplar 1252 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 684poplar|gb157.2|BI120274_T2 poplar 1253 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 89 685poplar|gb157.2|BF299457_T1 poplar 1254 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 686poplar|gb157.2|BI120274_T1 poplar 1255 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 86 687poplar|gb157.2|BI122516_T1 poplar 1256 Seq362.MAB161.15.poplar 90 688poplar|gb157.2|BU821689_T1 poplar 1257 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 81 689poplar|gb157.2|AI166955_T1 poplar 1258 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 87 690poplar|gb157.2|BI069450_T1 poplar 1259 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85 691potato|gb157.2|BG594910_T1 potato 1260 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 692potato|gb157.2|AJ487418_T1 potato 1261 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 82 693potato|gb157.2|BQ516076_T2 potato 1262 Seq389.MAB175.15.tomato 97 694potato|gb157.2|BE921143_T1 potato 1263 Seq349.MAB154.15.sugarcane 80 695potato|gb157.2|BG592541_T1 potato 1264 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 696potato|gb157.2|BF052848_T1 potato 1265 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 81 697potato|gb157.2|BF460150_T1 potato 1266 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 698potato|gb157.2|BG097985_T1 potato 1267 Seq303.MAB129.15.tomato 91 699potato|gb157.2|BE923564_T1 potato 1268 Seq342.MAB151.15.potato 90 700potato|gb157.2|X86021_T1 potato 1269 Seq334.MAB146.15.tomato 97 701potato|gb157.2|BG594768_T1 potato 1270 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 97 702potato|gb157.2|BF154203_T1 potato 1271 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 98 703potato|gb157.2|BE344306_T1 potato 1272 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 82 704potato|gb157.2|BF460309_T1 potato 1273 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 98 705potato|gb157.2|BQ516076_T1 potato 1274 Seq390.MAB175.15.tomato 96 706potato|gb157.2|BI176616_T1 potato 1275 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 707potato|gb157.2|BQ117692_T1 potato 1276 Seq354.MAB156.15.tobacco 86 708potato|gb157.2|AJ487418_T2 potato 1277 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 81 709potato|gb157.2|BG351229_T1 potato 1278 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 81 710potato|gb157.2|AJ487418_T3 potato 1279 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 84 711potato|gb157.2|BF154154_T1 potato 1280 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 99 712radish|gb164|EY895633_T1 radish 1281 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 93 713radish|gb164|EX772944_T1 radish 1282 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarcane 83 714radish|gb164|EW725846_T1 radish 1283 Seq237.MAB25.15.arabidopsis 84 715radish|gb164|EV527306_T1 radish 1284 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 94 716radish|gb164|EV565850_T1 radish 1285 Seq277.MAB50.15.arabidopsis 90 717radish|gb164|EX772722_T1 radish 1286 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 8 718radish|gb164|EX775718_T1 radish 1287 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 81 719radish|gb164|EV535278_T1 radish 1288 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 81 720radish|gb164|EV565334_T1 radish 1289 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 91 721radish|gb164|EV528083_T1 radish 1290 Seq252.MAB35.15.arabidopsis 80 722radish|gb164|T25168_T1 radish 1291 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 80 723radish|gb164|EV544010_T1 radish 1292 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidopsis 91 724radish|gb164|EW713752_T1 radish 1293 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 86 725radish|gb164|EV568565_T1 radish 1294 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabidopsis 88 726radish|gb164|EV543867_T1 radish 1295 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 88 727radish|gb164|EX770974_T1 radish 1296 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 85 728radish|gb164|EV566819_T1 radish 1297 Seq217.MAB13.15.arabidopsis 81 729rice|gb157.2|NM001059403_T1 rice 1298 Seq261.MAB40.15.rice 84 730rice|gb157.2|C28755_T1 rice 1299 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 731rice|gb157.2|AA750806_T1 rice 1300 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 83 732rice|gb157.2|AA751345_T1 rice 1301 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 733rice|gb157.2|BE040195_T6 rice 1302 Seq346.MAB153.15.sugarcane 95 734rice|gb157.2|BI118752_T1 rice 1303 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 94 735rice|gb157.2|AW070148_T1 rice 1304 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane 87 736rice|gb157.2|AW069929_T1 rice 1305 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 737rice|gb157.2|AW070094_T1 rice 1306 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 83 738rice|gb157.2|AA753115_T4 rice 1307 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 90 739rice|gb157.2|BI795037_T4 rice 1308 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 100 740rice|gb157.2|AU092454_T1 rice 1309 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 100 741rice|gb157.2|AA753115_T3 rice 1310 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 91 742rice|gb157.2|BE040195_T1 rice 1311 Seq346.MAB153.15.sugarcane 91 743rice|gb157.2|CB624284_T1 rice 1312 Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 82 744rice|gb157.2|AU030125_T3 rice 1313 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 88 745rice|gb157.2|AU164313_T1 rice 1314 Seq270.MAB45.15.wheat 84 746rice|gb157.2|BI799463_T1 rice 1315 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 85 747rice|gb157.2|AW070094_T3 rice 1316 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 80 748rice|gb157.2|AA753115_T1 rice 1317 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 91 749rice|gb157.2|AU093322_T2 rice 1318 Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 85 750rice|gb157.2|AU030125_T1 rice 1319 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 751rice|gb157.2|AA752703_T1 rice 1320 Seq295.MAB125.15.rice 88 752rice|gb157.2|NM001067464_T1 rice 1321 Seq205.MAB4.15.rice 93 753rice|gb157.2|NM001052309_T1 rice 1322 Seq295.MAB125.15.rice 91 754rice|gb157.2|CA763128_T2 rice 1323 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 755rice|gb157.2|AW070148_T2 rice 1324 Seq348.MAB154.15.sugarcane 87 756rice|gb157.2|AU093322_T1 rice 1325 Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 86 757rice|gb157.2|AA753115_T5 rice 1326 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 94 758rice|gb157.2|AU030125_T4 rice 1327 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 759rye|gb164|BF429408_T1 rye 1328 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 97 760rye|gb164|BE494847_T1 rye 1329 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 97 761safflower|gb162|EL373402_T1 safflower 1330 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 81 762safflower|gb162|EL374175_T1 safflower 1331 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 83 763safflower|gb162|EL377332_T1 safflower 1332 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 81764 safflower|gb162|EL373487_T1 safflower 1333 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum80 765 safflower|gb162|EL374095_T1 safflower 1334 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato86 766 safflower|gb162|EL382051_T1 safflower 1335 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato86 767 safflower|gb162|EL409148_T1 safflower 1336Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 80 768 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW224927_T1 sorghum1337 Seq288.MAB121.15.sugarcane 94 769 sorghum|gb161.xeno|T26945_T2sorghum 1338 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81 770sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI932179_T3 sorghum 1339 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 91 771sorghum|gb161.xeno|T15319_T1 sorghum 1340 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 772sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI615215_T1 sorghum 1341 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 92 773sorghum|gb161.xeno|BG102066_T2 sorghum 1342 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 90774 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW672419_T2 sorghum 1343 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97775 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW672419_T3 sorghum 1344 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 95776 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI901860_T1 sorghum 1345 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley84 777 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI621995_T3 sorghum 1346Seq384.MAB172.15.sugarcane 97 778 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI881418_T2 sorghum1347 Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 100 779 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI891255_T1sorghum 1348 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 95 780sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI782993_T1 sorghum 1349 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 84 781sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI724629_T1 sorghum 1350 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane99 782 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AA143925_T1 sorghum 1351Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 100 783 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI621995_T2 sorghum1352 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarcane 99 784 sorghum|gb161.xeno|T26945_T1sorghum 1353 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81 785sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW179463_T1 sorghum 1354 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80786 sorghum|gb161.xeno|ZMU90944_T2 sorghum 1355 Seq367.MAB163.15.barley80 787 sorghum|gb161.xeno|T15319_T2 sorghum 1356 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize95 788 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI621995_T1 sorghum 1357Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarcane 99 789 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI932179_T1 sorghum1358 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 90 790 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI621995_T4 sorghum1359 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarcane 99 791 sorghum|gb161.xeno|ZMU90944_T3sorghum 1360 Seq367.MAB163.15.barley 80 792sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI665229_T2 sorghum 1361 Seq346.MAB153.15.sugarcane96 793 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI939836_T1 sorghum 1362Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 92 794 sorghum|gb161.xeno|BI099068_T1 sorghum1363 Seq270.MAB45.15.wheat 83 795 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AI665229_T1 sorghum1364 Seq346.MAB153.15.sugarcane 96 796 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW672419_T1sorghum 1365 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 797 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW498283_T1sorghum 1366 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 83 798 sorghum|gb161.xeno|AW923775_T1sorghum 1367 Seq231.MAB21.15.rice 88 799 sorghum|gb161.xeno|T15319_T3sorghum 1368 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 85 800 soybean|gb162|BG839539_T1soybean 1369 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 801 soybean|gb162|CA783290_T1soybean 1370 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 802 soybean|gb162|BU551043_T1soybean 1371 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 803 soybean|gb162|EV282184_T1soybean 1372 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 82 804 soybean|gb162|BI967468_T1soybean 1373 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 805 soybean|gb162|BI321879_T1soybean 1374 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 806 soybean|gb162|AW132704_T1soybean 1375 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 807 soybean|gb162|BU764498_T1soybean 1376 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 808 soybean|gb162|CA953156_T1soybean 1377 Seq298.MAB126.15.grape 80 809 soybean|gb162|CF922618_T1soybean 1378 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 84 810 soybean|gb162|BU544425_T1soybean 1379 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 81 811 soybean|gb162|BU765332_T1soybean 1380 Seq233.MAB22.15.tomato 80 812 soybean|gb162|CA936077_T1soybean 1381 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 813 soybean|gb162|BE823013_T1soybean 1382 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 814 soybean|gb162|CD417415_T1soybean 1383 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 815 soybean|gb162|BE660691_T1soybean 1384 Seq362.MAB161.15.poplar 81 816 soybean|gb162|CD395628_T1soybean 1385 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 817 soybean|gb162|BU549206_T2soybean 1386 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80 818 soybean|gb162|AW351120_T1soybean 1387 Seq298.MAB126.15.grape 82 819 soybean|gb162|AW132704_T2soybean 1388 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 820 soybean|gb162|BE584244_T1soybean 1389 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 821 spruce|gb162|CO234968_T1spruce 1390 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 83 822 spurge|gb161|DV146052_T1spurge 1391 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 81 823 spurge|gb161|DV127024_T1spurge 1392 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 83 824 spurge|gb161|DV124157_T1spurge 1393 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85 825 strawberry|gb164|EX683450_T1strawberry 1394 Seq348.MAB154.15.sugarcane 81 826strawberry|gb164|EX683265_T1 strawberry 1395 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81827 strawberry|gb164|DY675409_T1 strawberry 1396 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato81 828 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA115287_T1 sugarcane 1397Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 88 829 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA216001_T1sugarcane 1398 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 85 830sugarcane|gb157.2|CA072819_T1 sugarcane 1399 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 831sugarcane|gb157.2|CA125036_T1 sugarcane 1400 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 82832 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA071646_T1 sugarcane 1401 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice90 833 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA117936_T2 sugarcane 1402Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 93 834 sugarcane|gb157.2|BQ537163_T1 sugarcane1403 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 835 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA074253_T1sugarcane 1404 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 836 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA102030_T1sugarcane 1405 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 85 837sugarcane|gb157.2|CA068084_T1 sugarcane 1406 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 80838 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA233048_T1 sugarcane 1407 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize80 839 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA090429_T1 sugarcane 1408Seq288.MAB121.15.sugarcane 95 840 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA095299_T1sugarcane 1409 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 841sugarcane|gb157.2|BQ533298_T1 sugarcane 1410 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 95842 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA107649_T1 sugarcane 1411 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize90 843 sugarcane|gb157.2|BQ536274_T1 sugarcane 1412 Seq231.MAB21.15.rice88 844 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA117936_T1 sugarcane 1413Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 94 845 sugarcane|gb157.2|BQ533234_T1 sugarcane1414 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 99 846 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA072307_T1sugarcane 1415 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 847sugarcane|gb157.2|CA073476_T1 sugarcane 1416 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 91848 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA065809_T1 sugarcane 1417 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley80 849 sugarcane|gb157.2|CA072307_T2 sugarcane 1418Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 850 sunflower|gb162|DY909111_T1 sunflower1419 Seq336.MAB147.15.tobacco 83 851 sunflower|gb162|DY941035_T1sunflower 1420 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 82 852 sunflower|gb162|CD857487_T1sunflower 1421 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81 853 sunflower|gb162|DY942252_T1sunflower 1422 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 80 854sunflower|gb162|CD850784_T1 sunflower 1423 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 83 855sunflower|gb162|BQ968872_T1 sunflower 1424 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 83856 sunflower|gb162|EE616266_T1 sunflower 1425 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84857 sunflower|gb162|EE641694_T1 sunflower 1426 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84858 sunflower|gb162|DY924220_T1 sunflower 1427 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81859 sunflower|gb162|DY910907_T1 sunflower 1428 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80860 sunflower|gb162|AY029172_T1 sunflower 1429 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton81 861 sunflower|gb162|DY909077_T1 sunflower 1430Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 862 sunflower|gb162|DY921635_T1 sunflower1431 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 83 863 sunflower|gb162|DY913894_T1 sunflower1432 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 82 864 switchgrass|gb165|FE608718_T1switchgrass 1433 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81 865switchgrass|gb165|FE624581_T1 switchgrass 1434 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley87 866 switchgrass|gb165|FE604798_T1 switchgrass 1435Seq269.MAB45.15.wheat 90 867 switchgrass|gb165|DN151012_T1 switchgrass1436 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 90 868 switchgrass|gb165|FE619903_T1switchgrass 1437 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarcane 95 869switchgrass|gb165|DN144676_T1 switchgrass 1438 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley87 870 switchgrass|gb165|FE609872_T1 switchgrass 1439Seq228.MAB19.15.sorghum 89 871 switchgrass|gb165|FE617860_T1 switchgrass1440 Seq381.MAB171.15.sugarcane 88 872 switchgrass|gb165|DN145750_T1switchgrass 1441 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 95 873switchgrass|gb165|FE597811_T1 switchgrass 1442 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 83874 switchgrass|gb165|FE647199_T1 switchgrass 1443Seq381.MAB171.15.sugarcane 90 875 switchgrass|gb165|DN145034_T1switchgrass 1444 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 95 876switchgrass|gb165|FE617335_T1 switchgrass 1445 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 91877 switchgrass|gb165|FE597809_T1 switchgrass 1446Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane 95 878 switchgrass|gb165|FE597811_T2switchgrass 1447 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 85 879switchgrass|gb165|FE635691_T1 switchgrass 1448 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley95 880 switchgrass|gb165|FE653022_T1 switchgrass 1449Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 83 881 switchgrass|gb165|DN144793_T1 switchgrass1450 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 90 882 switchgrass|gb165|FE641674_T1switchgrass 1451 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 89 883thellungiella|gb157.2|DN775606_T1 thellungiella 1452Seq212.MAB10.15.arabidopsis 82 884 thellungiella|gb157.2|DN773228_T1thellungiella 1453 Seq211.MAB9.15.arabidopsis 98 885thellungiella|gb157.2|DN772771_T1 thellungiella 1454Seq208.MAB7.15.arabidopsis 89 886 thellungiella|gb157.2|DN774422_T1thellungiella 1455 Seq360.MAB159.15.canola 83 887thellungiella|gb157.2|DN774140_T1 thellungiella 1456Seq284.MAB100.15.arabidopsis 86 888 tobacco|gb162|DW003503_T1 tobacco1457 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 93 889 tobacco|gb162|BP532373_T1 tobacco1458 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarcane 82 890 tobacco|gb162|CN949739_T1 tobacco1459 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 84 891 tobacco|gb162|BQ843111_T1 tobacco1460 Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 90 892 tobacco|gb162|EB683054_T1 tobacco1461 Seq307.MAB131.15.tomato 89 893 tobacco|gb162|EB428197_T1 tobacco1462 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 894 tobacco|gb162|EB445060_T1 tobacco 1463Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 90 895 tobacco|gb162|EB447202_T1 tobacco 1464Seq390.MAB175.15.tomato 88 896 tobacco|gb162|DW001113_T1 tobacco 1465Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 897 tobacco|gb162|EH623692_T1 tobacco 1466Seq303.MAB129.15.tomato 85 898 tomato|gb164|BG127210_T1 tomato 1467Seq342.MAB151.15.potato 82 899 tomato|gb164|BG128089_T2 tomato 1468Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 900 tomato|gb164|AW219181_T1 tomato 1469Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 901 tomato|gb164|BG127288_T1 tomato 1470Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 83 902 tomato|gb164|BG133509_T1 tomato 1471Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 903 tomato|gb164|BG131241_T1 tomato 1472Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 80 904 tomato|gb164|BG129621_T1 tomato 1473Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarcane 80 905 tomato|gb164|AI779004_T1 tomato 1474Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 81 906 tomato|gb164|BG129572_T1 tomato 1475Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 907 tomato|gb164|BG135408_T1 tomato 1476Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 98 908 triphysaria|gb164|DR173028_T1 triphysaria1477 Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 81 909 triphysaria|gb164|BM357524_T2triphysaria 1478 Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 85 910triphysaria|gb164|EY133838_T1 triphysaria 1479 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley80 911 triphysaria|gb164|BM357406_T1 triphysaria 1480Seq329.MAB143.15.tomato 83 912 triphysaria|gb164|BM357011_T1 triphysaria1481 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80 913 triphysaria|gb164|BM357524_T1triphysaria 1482 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 85 914triphysaria|gb164|EY137290_T1 triphysaria 1483 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88915 wheat|gb164|CA484259_T1 wheat 1484 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 84 916wheat|gb164|BE606422_T1 wheat 1485 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 96 917wheat|gb164|BE406378_T1 wheat 1486 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 918wheat|gb164|BE470780_T1 wheat 1487 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 84 919wheat|gb164|BE418087_T1 wheat 1488 Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 95 920wheat|gb164|BQ294643_T1 wheat 1489 Seq269.MAB45.15.wheat 94 921wheat|gb164|BE415314_T1 wheat 1490 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 82 922wheat|gb164|AL822647_T1 wheat 1491 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 98 923wheat|gb164|BE406667_T1 wheat 1492 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 89 924wheat|gb164|BF475039_T1 wheat 1493 Seq221.MAB15.15.sorghum 83 925wheat|gb164|CK196180_T1 wheat 1494 Seq323.MAB140.15.barley 80 926wheat|gb164|BE403745_T1 wheat 1495 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 97 927wheat|gb164|BQ620260_T1 wheat 1496 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 100 928wheat|gb164|BM138204_T1 wheat 1497 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 91 929wheat|gb164|BE401114_T1 wheat 1498 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 94 930wheat|gb164|BE498161_T1 wheat 1499 Seq388.MAB174.15.barley 93 931wheat|gb164|BQ744502_T1 wheat 1500 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 85 932wheat|gb164|BE415172_T1 wheat 1501 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 94 933wheat|gb164|CD490875_T1 wheat 1502 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 934wheat|gb164|CA625741_T1 wheat 1503 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 87 935wheat|gb164|BE443720_T1 wheat 1504 Seq318.MAB137.15.barley 94 936wheat|gb164|BE420294_T1 wheat 1505 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 84 937wheat|gb164|BE516581_T1 wheat 1506 Seq387.MAB174.15.barley 95 938wheat|gb164|BE406039_T1 wheat 1507 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 90 939wheat|gb164|BM136483_T1 wheat 1508 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 92 940wheat|gb164|BE425976_T1 wheat 1509 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 81 941wheat|gb164|CN011148_T1 wheat 1510 Seq270.MAB45.15.wheat 84 942wheat|gb164|BE419039_T1 wheat 1511 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 80 943wheat|gb164|CA603413_T1 wheat 1512 Seq323.MAB140.15.barley 85 944wheat|gb164|CA743309_T1 wheat 1513 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 945wheat|gb164|BG262336_T1 wheat 1514 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 94 946wheat|gb164|CD881765_T1 wheat 1515 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 947wheat|gb164|BE352629_T1 wheat 1516 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 96 948wheat|gb164|BE398656_T1 wheat 1517 Seq308.MAB132.15.barley 97 949wheat|gb164|BE403195_T1 wheat 1518 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 94 950wheat|gb164|BE488904_T1 wheat 1519 Seq367.MAB163.15.barley 91 951wheat|gb164|BE492528_T1 wheat 1520 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 100 952wheat|gb164|BE427383_T1 wheat 1521 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 953wheat|gb164|CA646957_T1 wheat 1522 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 89 954wheat|gb164|BE443720_T2 wheat 1523 Seq318.MAB137.15.barley 92 955wheat|gb164|BE490408_T1 wheat 1524 Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 81 956wheat|gb164|BE420295_T1 wheat 1525 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 96 957wheat|gb164|AL825998_T1 wheat 1526 Seq308.MAB132.15.barley 97 958wheat|gb164|CA693465_T1 wheat 1527 Seq308.MAB132.15.barley 97 959wheat|gb164|BE585772_T1 wheat 1528 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 95 960wheat|gb164|CA613914_T1 wheat 1529 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarcane 841656 >tomato|gb164|BG129621_T1 tomato 1660 Seq1649. MAB66.tomato 82 1657potato|gb157.2|BE921143_T1 potato 1661 Seq1649.MAB66.tomato 82 1658pepper|gb157.2|BM061807_T1 pepper 1662 Seq1649.MAB66.tomato 801659 >triphysaria|gb164|BM357011_T1 triphysaria 1663Seq1649.MAB66.tomato 80 Table 2: * - Homology was calculated as % ofidentity over the aligned sequences. The query sequences werepolynucleotide sequences SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16,17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46,48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81,82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 98, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109,111, 113, 115, 116, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134,135, 138, 140, 142, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 161, 163,165, 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188,190, 192, 194, 196, 198 and 1649, and the subject sequences are proteinsequences identified in the database based on greater than 80% identityto the predicted translated sequences of the query nucleotide sequences.Shown are the homologous polypeptides and the polynucleotides encodingsame.

Example 2 Generating the Putative ABST Genes

Several DNA sequences of the ABST genes are synthesized by GeneArt(Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) geneart (dot) com/).Synthetic DNA is designed in silico, based on the encoded amino-acidsequences of the ABST genes and using codon-usage Tables calculated fromplant transcriptomes (example of such Tables can be found in the CodonUsage Database available online at Hypertext Transfer Protocol://WorldWide Web (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/). The optimized codingsequences are designed in a way that no changes are introduced in theencoded amino acid sequence while using codons preferred for expressionin dicotyledonous plants (mainly tomato and Arabidopsis) andmonocotyledonous plants such as maize. At least one silent mutation per20 nucleotide base pairs is introduced in the sequence compared to theoriginal sequences to avoid possible silencing when over-expressing thegene in the target crop. To the optimized sequences the followingrestriction enzymes sites are added—SalI, XbaI, BamHI, SmaI at the 5′end and SacI at the 3′ end. The sequences synthesized by the supplier(GeneArt, Gmbh) are cloned in the pCR-Script plasmid.

Example 3 Gene Cloning and Generation of Binary Vectors for PlantExpression

To validate their role in improving ABST and yield, selected genes wereover-expressed in plants, as follows.

Cloning Strategy

Selected genes from those presented in Example 1 were cloned into binaryvectors for the generation of transgenic plants. For cloning, thefull-length open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. EST clusters andin some cases mRNA sequences were analyzed to identify the entire openreading frame by comparing the results of several translation algorithmsto known proteins from other plant species.

In order to clone the full-length cDNAs, reverse transcription (RT)followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; RT-PCR) was performed ontotal RNA extracted from leaves, roots or other plant tissues, growingunder either normal or nutrient deficient conditions. Total RNAextraction, production of cDNA and PCR amplification was performed usingstandard protocols described elsewhere (Sambrook J., E. F. Fritsch, andT. Maniatis. 1989. Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual., 2nd Ed. ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.) which are well known to thoseskilled in the art. PCR products were purified using PCR purificationkit (Qiagen)

Usually, 2 sets of primers were prepared for the amplification of eachgene, via nested PCR (meaning first amplifying the gene using externalprimers and then using the produced PCR product as a template for asecond PCR reaction, where the internal set of primers are used).Alternatively, one or two of the internal primers were used for geneamplification, both in the first and the second PCR reactions (meaningonly 2-3 primers were designed for a gene). To facilitate furthercloning of the cDNAs, an 8-12 by extension is added to the 5′ of eachinternal primer. The primer extension includes an endonucleaserestriction site. The restriction sites are selected using twoparameters: (a) the restriction site does not exist in the cDNAsequence; and (b) the restriction sites in the forward and reverseprimers are designed such that the digested cDNA is inserted in thesense direction into the binary vector utilized for transformation. InTable 3 below, primers used for cloning ABST genes are provided.

TABLE 3 Cloned ABST genes from cDNA libraries or genomic DNA and theprimers used for the cloning Polypeptide Restriction Polynucleotide SEQID NO. Enzymes SEQ ID NO. of the encoded used for Primers used foramplification Gene Id of the cloned gene polypeptide cloning (SEQ IDNO:) MAB1 1530 201 EcoRV MAB1_EF_EcoRV AAGATATCAGACCAGAGGAGA AGACTCGATC(SEQ ID NO: 1567) MAB1_NF_EcoRV AAGATATCAGACTCCGTTCGGA GAAAAGG (SEQ IDNO: 1568) MAB1_ER_EcoRV ATGATATCTGAAGAACATCGCC TTGTCATC (SEQ ID NO:1569) MAB1_NR_EcoRV AAGATATCACCTTGTCATCGGA TCATCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 1570)MAB1_GA 1531 Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA14_MAB1_GA) forexpression in Maize and G.Max) MAB14 1538 219 EcoRV MAB14_EF_EcoRVATGATATCCAACGAATGAAGA CTAGTAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1571) MAB14_NF_EcoRVATGATATCCCAGATGGAATCCT GCCCT (SEQ ID NO: 1572) MAB14_ER_EcoRVATGATATCGTGTCAATGAAGG GAACGTGC (SEQ ID NO: 1573) MAB14_NR_EcoRVATGATATCGCAAATGGATTCAG ATATTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1574) MAB14_GA 1539Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA14_MAB14_GA) for expression inMaize) MAB10 1532 212 SalI, XbaI MAB 10 F Sal- GCAGTCGACAACTCACAGTTCCAAACACACA (SEQ ID NO: 1575) MAB 10 Ext R Xba- GGTCTAGAATGTAAATGTCTTCGTATTAGGC (SEQ ID NO: 1576) MAB 10 NR Xba- CCTCTAGAATCACCCGAAATAACTAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 1577) MAB10_GA 1533 Synthetic product (from(optimized pGA18_MAB10_GA) for expression in Maize) MAB25 1549 237 PstI,SmaI MAB25_EF_PstI- AACTGCAGCCATCGTCGTAATC CTTCTAGC (SEQ ID NO: 1578)MAB25_NF_PstI- AACTGCAGTAATCATGGGGAG GAAATCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1579)MAB25_ER_SmaI- GGGTGACAATTCCGAGTCTCAG C (SEQ ID NO: 1580)MAB25_NR_SmaI - TCCCGGGCAATTGGTCAATGGC ACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1581) MAB25_GA1550 Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA14_MAB25_GA) for expressionin Maize) MAB134 1665 311 SalI, XbaI MAB134_EF_SalI-AATGTCGACTCTCGTCTTGCTC CCAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1582) MAB134_NF_SalI-AATGTCGACCGACACCCTTCTC CTCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1583) MAB134_ER_XbaI-TTTCTAGAATCATATTCCAACA TCCACTTC (SEQ ID NO: 1584) MAB134_NR_XbaI-TTTCTAGACTGCTATGTTCCAC TGACTACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1585) MAB99 1566 283 SalI,SacI MAB99_NF_SalI- AAAGTCGACCAGTTAATTCTCC GTTGTCTACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1586)MAB99_NR_SacI- TGAGCTCCTGCTTGAAACTTGC TGCTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1587) MAB361554 254 SalI, XbaI MAB 36 F Sal- GGAGTCGACACAGAAATGGGT GGTTTGAAG (SEQID NO: 1588) MAB 36 Ext R Xba- CCTCTAGAAATGATCACTCACT GCAACTTAG (SEQ IDNO: 1589) MAB 36 NR Xba- CCTCTAGACACTCACTGCAACT TAGAAACATC (SEQ ID NO:1590) MAB7 1563 208 SalI, XbaI MAB 7 Ex F Sal- AACGTCGACGCTCATTTCTCTTCTTCTTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 1591) MAB 7 NF Sal- GACGTCGACTCTTCTTTGGTTCTTACATTTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1592) MAB 7 Ex R Xba- TCTCTAGAGCAAGACGTTATAAACCATGC (SEQ ID NO: 1593) MAB 7 NR Xba- TCTCTAGAAGAAGACACGCTG GACAATG(SEQ ID NO: 1594) MAB44 1557 267 SalI, SacI MAB 44 NF salAAGGTCGACCATAAAGAACAG TGACAGGCG (SEQ ID NO: 1595) MAB 44 NR ScAGAGCTCCACGTAGTACATTTT CACAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 1596) MAB44_GA 1558Synthetic product (from pCR4Blunt- (optimized TOPO_MAB44_GA) forexpression in Maize) MAB6 1561 207 SalI, XbaI MAB 6 - Ex F Sal-ACCGTCGACCCTTCTCCAATTT CGTAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 1597) MAB 6 NF Sal-ACCGTCGACTTCGTAAGCTCAA AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1598) MAB 6 - Ext R XbaI-CCTCTAGAACGACTTTTAATCC CTCCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 1599) MAB 6 - NR XbaI-CCTCTAGACTCCAACAGCCACT ACAACC (SEQ ID NO: 1600) MAB6_GA 1562 Syntheticproduct (from (optimized pGA15_MAB6_GA) for expression in Maize) MAB91564 211 EcoRV MAB9_F_EcoRV AAGATATCGGTTGCTGAGGAA TCGAAGTAG (SEQ ID NO:1601) MAB9_ER_EcoRV TTGATATCGAGCCAAGTCACAA GGAGTTTAC (SEQ ID NO: 1602)MAB9_NR_EcoRV TTGATATCCTCCGAGTGTCGCA GTAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 1603) MAB9_GA1565 Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA15_MAB9_GA) for expression inMaize and G.Max) MAB100 1534 284 SalI, XbaI MAB100_EF_SalI-AATGTCGACCCAAGTTAAACTT CATATCATACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1604) MAB100_NF_SalI-AATGTCGACGAAGAGTTATTAT GGCGAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1605) MAB100_ER_XbaI-AATGTCGACCCAAGTTAAACTT CATATCATACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1606) MAB100_NR_XbaI-AATCTAGACAAACCCAACTTAT TACATTACG (SEQ ID NO: 1607) MAB13 1536 217 SacI,SalI MAB13_F_SalI_new AATGTCGACCTCGAAAATGGC CACCATTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1608)MAB 13 ExR  CGAGCTCCAAAAATGCAAGAA TCAAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1609) MAB 13 F SalAAGGTCGACTTCTCTCCAAAAT GGCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 1610) MAB 13 NR ScTGAGCTCTGCAAGAATCAAGA GAAATTTG (SEQ ID NO: 1611) MAB32 1552 247 EcoRVMAB32_F_EcoRV- AAGATATCCTCCACTTGTTGTT CAATTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 1612)MAB32_ER_EcoRV- ATGATATCGATCTGAACAGCA GTAAGTAAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 1613)MAB32_NR_EcoRV- ATGATATCTAAGAAGAACAAG ACATGGATCG (SEQ ID NO: 1614) MAB351553 252 SmaI MAB35_F- CGTGAGAACTAAGAAACACCC (SEQ ID NO: 1615)MAB35_ER_SmaI- TCCCGGGACATCTTTTCAACTA AACCAAGAC (SEQ ID NO: 1616)MAB35_NR_SmaI- TCCCGGGCTAAACCAAGACTTA CACAAGACG (SEQ ID NO: 1617) MAB1461666 334 SalI, XbaI MAB146_F_Sal- ATTGTCGACAGAGTTATGGGA GATAATAGAGGA(SEQ ID NO: 1618) MAB146_ER_Xba- ATTCTAGACTCATTCTGAGCTT TACATGTTC (SEQID NO: 1619) MAB146_NR_Xba- TTTCTAGATTGGTTTACACCTC AACTCACTAC (SEQ IDNO: 1620) MAB2 1547 Non coding SalI, XbaI MAB2_F_SalIAATGTCGACAACAAATGATCCT TCAGGCAGTTAAAG (SEQ ID NO: 1621) MAB2_R_XbaTTTCTAGATATTAAAACTTAGA TTCGGGATCAG (SEQ ID NO: 1622) MAB20 1548 229PstI, SmaI MAB20_EF_PstI- AACTGCAGGATCATCACTTCTC AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO:1623) MAB20_NF_PstI- AACTGCAGAAAAATGAATTCA GAATCGCTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1624)MAB20_ER_SmaI- AACTGCAGGATCATCACTTCTC AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1625)MAB20_NR_SmaI- TCCCGGGCAATCTGACCTCAAA ACTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 1626) MAB431556 265 PstI, SmaI MAB43_NF_PstI AACTGCAGGATCAATGAAGAT TCGGAACAG (SEQID NO: 1627) MAB43_ER_SmaI TCCCGGGTACAACAAGAAACC TCTGATTC (SEQ ID NO:1628) MAB43_NR_SmaI TCCCGGGCCTGTGCCACAGCTA TACTTAC (SEQ ID NO: 1629)MAB46 1559 271 SalI, SacI MAB 46 ExF Sal- GAAGTCGACATCCGTAGTTTCAGTTTCGTCC (SEQ ID NO: 1630) MAB 46 NF Sal- GAAGTCGACCTTGTCTGTTCCAGATGAAATTG (SEQ ID NO: 1631) MAB46 ExR Sc- TGAGCTCCTCTATCGACGTCCG GATTC(SEQ ID NO: 1632) MAB 46 NR Sc- TGAGCTCCGTCCGGATTCATAA ACAAC (SEQ ID NO:1633) MAB50 1560 277 SmaI MAB 50 ExF Sal GGAGTCGACCATCGGGACACA TCTTTAGG(SEQ ID NO: 1634) MAB50_NF CATCTTTAGGCTCAAGGATTC (SEQ ID NO: 1635)MAB50_ExR_Sac TGAGCTCGATCCTCGTTTATTA CAAGTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1636)MAB50_NR_Sma TCCCGGGCACACCAAGATTGAT TACAAAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1637) MAB661654 1655 SalI, XbaI MAB66_F_Sal- AATGTCGACGATTGGAGATAG GCAGGCA (SEQ IDNO: 1638) MAB66_ER_Xba- TTTCTAGAGGTAGCCAAAGCTG ACACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1639)MAB66_NR_Xba- AATCTAGAGAGGCATATGCAC TTCTTATCG (SEQ ID NO: 1640) MAB41555 205 EcoRV MAB4_EF_EcoRV- AAGATATCCAGGACGGGTTCTC GATCAG (SEQ ID NO:1641) MAB4_NF_EcoRV- AAGATATCCAGCGAACACGTC TACGATG (SEQ ID NO: 1642)MAB4_ER_EcoRV- ATGATATCGCACGAGTTCAACT CAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1643)MAB4_NR_EcoRV- ATGATATCGAACTGCTTGAGAT GTAACAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1644)MAB15_GA 1541 221 XbaI, SacI Synthetic product (from (optimizedpGA4_MAB15) for expression in Arabidopsis and maize) MAB15a_GA 1667Synthetic product (from pGA18_MAB15a_GA) (optimized for expression inMaize) MAB15_GA_original 1540 Synthetic product (from (originalpGA14_MAB15_(EVO220)- sequence, original) not optimize) MAB17_GA 1542224 XbaI, SacI Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA4_MAB17) forexpression in Arabidopsis and maize) MAB17a_GA 1544 Synthetic product(from pCR4Blunt- (optimized TOPO_MAB17a_GA) for expression in Maize)MAB17_GA_original 1543 Synthetic product (original(pGA14_MAB17_(EVO222)- sequence, original) not optimize) MAB137_GA 1537317 XbaI, SacI Synthetic product (from (optimized pGA15_MAB137) forexpression in Maize, Arabidopsis and tomato) MAB3_GA 1551 203 XbaI, SacISynthetic product (from pCR4Blunt- (optimized Topo_MAB3) for expressionin Maize, Arabidopsis and tomato) MAB3_GA_original 1668 Syntheticproduct (from (original pGA14_MAB3_(EVO235)-original) sequence, notoptimize) MAB18_GA 1545 225 XbaI, SacI Synthetic product (from(optimized pGA4_MAB18) for expression in Arabidopsis and maize) Control1664 Gene: GUI Table 3. Presented are the cloned ABST genes and controlgene(s) by the Gene Id number and the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. Alsopresented are the primers and the restriction enzymes used to clone theABST genes.

PCR products were digested with the restriction endonucleases (Roche,Switzerland) according to the sites design in the primers (Table 3).Each digested PCR product was inserted into a high copy vectororiginated from pBlue-script KS plasmid vector (pBlue-script KS plasmidvector, Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) stratagene(dot) com/manuals/212205 (dot) pdf). In case of the high copy vectororiginated from pBlue-script KS plasmid vector (pGN) PCR product wasinserted in the high copy plasmid upstream to the NOS terminator (SEQ IDNO:1651) originated from pBI 101.3 binary vector (GenBank Accession No.U12640, nucleotides 4417 to 4693), Table 4 below. In other cases(pKSJ_(—)6669a) the At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1652) is already clonedinto the pBlue-script KS, so the gene is introduced downstream of thepromoter (Table 4 below).

Sequencing of the inserted genes was performed, using the ABI 377sequencer (Applied Biosystems). In some cases, after confirming thesequences of the cloned genes, the cloned cDNA accompanied with the NOSterminator was introduced into the binary vectors pGI containing theAt6669 promoter via digestion with appropriate restrictionendonucleases. In other cases the cloned cDNA accompanied with theAt6669 promoter was introduced into the pGI vector (that hasn't alreadycontained the At6669 promoter). In any case the insert was followed bysingle copy of the NOS terminator (SEQ ID NO:1651). The digestedproducts and the linearized plasmid vector were ligated using T4 DNAligase enzyme (Roche, Switzerland).

TABLE 4 Genes cloned from cDNA libraries or genomic DNA in a High copyplasmid Gene Name High copy Plasmid Amplified from MAB1 pKSJ_6669 RNAMAB1 Gene Art MAB10 Gene Art MAB10 pGN RNA MAB14 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB14Gene Art MAB15 pGN Gene Art (3 plasmids) MAB17 pGN Gene Art (3 plasmids)MAB 137 pGN Gene Art MAB25 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB25 Gene Art MAB3 pGN GeneArt (2 plasmids) MAB44 pGN RNA MAB44 Gene Art MAB6 pGN RNA MAB6 Gene ArtMAB9 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB9 Gene Art MAB100 pGN RNA MAB13 pGN RNA MAB134 pGNRNA MAB18 pGN Gene Art MAB2 pGN RNA MAB20 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB146 pGN RNAMAB32 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB35 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB36 pGN RNA MAB43 pKSJ_6669RNA MAB46 pGN RNA MAB50 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB7 pGN RNA MAB99 pGN RNA MAB66pGN RNA MAB4 pKSJ_6669 RNA Table 4

The pPI plasmid vector was constructed by inserting a synthetic poly-(A)signal sequence, originating from pGL3 basic plasmid vector (Promega,GenBank Accession No. U47295; nucleotides 4658-4811) into the HindIIIrestriction site of the binary vector pBI101.3 (Clontech, GenBankAccession No. U12640). pGI (FIG. 1) is similar to pPI, but the originalgene in the back bone is GUS-Intron, rather than GUS.

At6669, the Arabidopsis thaliana promoter sequence (set forth in SEQ IDNO: 1652) is inserted in the pPI binary vector, upstream to the clonedgenes by using the restriction enzymes HindIII and SalI or BamHI(Roche), following by DNA ligation and binary plasmid extraction frompositive E. coli colonies, as described above.

Positive colonies were identified by PCR using primers which weredesigned to span the introduced promoter (At6669) and the cloned gene inthe binary vector. In all cases the forward PCR primer was the primerset forth in SEQ ID NO:1650 (from the At6669 promoter) and the reverseprimer (derived from the specific cloned gene) was as follows: For MAB1,the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1570; for MAB14, the reverse primer wasSEQ ID NO:1574; for MAB10, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1577; forMAB25, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1581; for MAB134, the reverseprimer was SEQ ID NO:1585; for MAB99, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1587; for MAB36, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1590; for MAB7, thereverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1594; for MAB44, the reverse primer was SEQID NO:1596; for MAB4, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1600; for MAB9,the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1603 (MAB9); for MAB100, the reverseprimer was SEQ ID NO:1606; for MAB13, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1611; for MAB32, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1614; for MAB35,the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1617; for MAB146, the reverse primerwas SEQ ID NO:1620; for MAB2, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1622; forMAB20, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1626; for MAB43, the reverseprimer was SEQ ID NO:1629; for MAB46, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1633; for MAB50, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1637; for MAB66,the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1640; for MAB4, the reverse primer wasSEQ ID NO:1644; for MAB15 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1645; for MAB17 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1646; for MAB18 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1647; for MAB137 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1648; and for MAB3 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ IDNO:1649, which are designed to span the introduced promoter and gene, inthe binary vector.

Synthetic sequences [such as of MAB14, nucleotide SEQ ID NO:23, whichencodes protein SEQ ID NO:219) of some of the cloned polynucleotideswere ordered from a commercial supplier (GeneArt, GmbH). To optimize thecoding sequence, codon-usage Tables calculated from plant transcriptomeswere used [example of such Tables can be found in the Codon UsageDatabase available online at Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World WideWeb (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/]. The optimized codingsequences were designed in a way that no changes were introduced in theencoded amino acid sequence while using codons preferred for expressionin dicotyledonous plants mainly tomato and Arabidopsis; andmonocotyledonous plants such as maize. Such optimized sequences promotebetter translation rate and therefore higher protein expression levels.Parts of the sequences were ordered as the original sequences. To theoptimized/non-optimized sequences flanking additional unique restrictionenzymes sites were added to facilitate cloning genes in binary vectors.

Promoters used: Arabidopsis At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO:1652; which isSEQ ID NO:61 of WO04081173 to Evogene Ltd.).

The sequences of the cloned cDNAs are provided in SEQ ID NOs: 1530-1534,1536-1545, 1547-1566, 1654, 1665, 1666, 1667 and 1668. The proteintranslation of the amplified cDNA sequence matched exactly that of theinitial bioinformatics prediction of the protein sequences. Thepredicted polypeptide sequences of the cloned polynucleotides areprovided in SEQ ID NOs:201, 212, 284, 213, 217, 317, 219, 221, 224, 225,226, 227, 229, 237, 203, 247, 252, 205, 265, 267, 271, 277, 207, 208,211, 283, 1655, 311, 334, and 254.

Example 4 Transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens Cells with BinaryVectors Harboring Putative ABST Genes

Each of the binary vectors described in Example 3 above are used totransform Agrobacterium cells. Two additional binary constructs, havinga GUS/Luciferase reporter gene replacing the ABST gene (positioneddownstream of the At6669 promoter), are used as negative controls.

The binary vectors are introduced to Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV301, orLB4404 competent cells (about 10⁹ cells/mL) by electroporation. Theelectroporation is performed using a MicroPulser electroporator(Biorad), 0.2 cm cuvettes (Biorad) and EC-2 electroporation program(Biorad). The treated cells are cultured in LB liquid medium at 28° C.for 3 hours, then plated over LB agar supplemented with gentamycin (50mg/L; for Agrobacterium strains GV301) or streptomycin (300 mg/L; forAgrobacterium strain LB4404) and kanamycin (50 mg/L) at 28° C. for 48hours. Agrobacterium colonies which developed on the selective mediawere analyzed by PCR using the primers described above (Example 3) withrespect to identification of positive binary vector colonies. Theresulting PCR products are isolated and sequenced as described inExample 3 above, to verify that the correct ABST sequences are properlyintroduced to the Agrobacterium cells.

Example 5 Transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana Plants with PutativeABST Genes

Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia plants (T₀ plants) are transformed usingthe Floral Dip procedure described by Clough and Bent (10) and byDesfeux et al. (11), with minor modifications. Briefly, T₀ Plants aresown in 250 ml pots filled with wet peat-based growth mix. The pots arecovered with aluminum foil and a plastic dome, kept at 4° C. for 3-4days, then uncovered and incubated in a growth chamber at 18-24° C.under 16/8 hour light/dark cycles. The T_(o) plants are ready fortransformation six days before anthesis.

Single colonies of Agrobacterium carrying the binary constructs, aregenerated as described in Example 4 above. Colonies are cultured in LBmedium supplemented with kanamycin (50 mg/L) and gentamycin (50 mg/L).The cultures are incubated at 28° C. for 48 hours under vigorous shakingand then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes. The pellets comprisingthe Agrobacterium cells are re-suspended in a transformation mediumcontaining half-strength (2.15 g/L) Murashige-Skoog (Duchefa); 0.044 μMbenzylamino purine (Sigma); 112 μg/L B5 Gambourg vitamins (Sigma); 5%sucrose; and 0.2 ml/L Silwet L-77 (OSI Specialists, CT) indouble-distilled water, at pH of 5.7.

Transformation of T₀ plants is performed by inverting each plant into anAgrobacterium suspension, such that the above ground plant tissue issubmerged for 3-5 seconds. Each inoculated T₀ plant is immediatelyplaced in a plastic tray, then covered with clear plastic dome tomaintain humidity and is kept in the dark at room temperature for 18hours, to facilitate infection and transformation. Transformed(transgenic) plants are then uncovered and transferred to a greenhousefor recovery and maturation. The transgenic T₀ plants are grown in thegreenhouse for 3-5 weeks until siliques are brown and dry. Seeds areharvested from plants and kept at room temperature until sowing.

For generating T₁ and T₂ transgenic plants harboring the genes, seedscollected from transgenic T₀ plants are surface-sterilized by soaking in70% ethanol for 1 minute, followed by soaking in 5% sodium hypochlorideand 0.05% triton for 5 minutes. The surface-sterilized seeds arethoroughly washed in sterile distilled water then placed on cultureplates containing half-strength Murashige-Skoog (Duchefa); 2% sucrose;0.8% plant agar; 50 mM kanamycin; and 200 mM carbenicylin (Duchefa). Theculture plates are incubated at 4° C. for 48 hours then transferred to agrowth room at 25° C. for an additional week of incubation. Vital T₁Arabidopsis plants are transferred to a fresh culture plates for anotherweek of incubation. Following incubation the T₁ plants are removed fromculture plates and planted in growth mix contained in 250 ml pots. Thetransgenic plants are allowed to grow in a greenhouse to maturity. Seedsharvested from T₁ plants are cultured and grown to maturity as T₂ plantsunder the same conditions as used for culturing and growing the T₁plants.

Example 6 Improved ABST in Tissue Culture Assay

Assay 1: plant growth under Osmotic stress (PEG) in Tissue cultureconditions—Osmotic stress (PEG)—conditions resembling the highosmolarity found during drought (e.g., 25% PEG8000). One of theconsequences of drought is the induction of osmotic stress in the areasurrounding the roots; therefore, in many scientific studies, PEG servesto simulate drought.

Surface sterilized seeds are sown in basal media [50% Murashige-Skoogmedium (MS) supplemented with 0.8% plant agar as solidifying agent] inthe presence of Kanamycin (for selecting only transgenic plants). Aftersowing, plates are transferred for 2-3 days at 4° C. for stratificationand then grown at 25° C. under 12-hour light 12-hour dark daily cyclesfor 7 to 10 days. At this time point, seedlings randomly chosen arecarefully transferred to plates hold 25% PEG in 0.5 MS media or normalconditions (0.5 MS media). Each plate contains 5 seedlings of sameevent, and 3-4 different plates (replicates) for each event. For eachpolynucleotide of the invention at least four independent transformationevents are analyzed from each construct. Plants expressing thepolynucleotides of the invention are compared to the average measurementof the control plants Mock-transgenic plants expressing the uidAreporter gene (GUS Intron—GUI) under the same promoter were used ascontrol.

Digital imaging—A laboratory image acquisition system, which consists ofa digital reflex camera (Canon EOS 300D) attached with a 55 mm focallength lens (Canon EF-S series), mounted on a reproduction device(Kaiser RS), which included 4 light units (4×150 Watts light bulb) andlocated in a darkroom, was used for capturing images of plantlets sawnin square agar plates.

The image capturing process was repeated every 7 days starting at day 0till day 14. The same camera attached with a 24 mm focal length lens(Canon EF series), placed in a custom made iron mount was used forcapturing images.

An image analysis system was used, which consists of a personal desktopcomputer (Intel P4 3.0 GHz processor) and a public domain program—ImageJ1.37 (Java based image processing program which was developed at the U.SNational Institutes of

Health and freely available on the internet at Hypertext TransferProtocol://rsbweb (dot) nih (dot) gov/). Images were captured inresolution of 6 Mega Pixels (3072×2048 pixels) and stored in a lowcompression JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group standard) format.Next, analyzed data was saved to text files and processed using the JMPstatistical analysis software (SAS institute).

Seedling analysis—Using the digital analysis seedling data wascalculated, including leaf area, root coverage and root length.

The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was calculated according to the followingformula I.

Formula I:

Relative growth area rate=(Δ Area/Δt)*(1/Area t0)

Δt is the current analyzed image day subtracted from the initial day(t−t0). Thus, the relative growth area rate is in units of 1/day andlength growth rate is in units of 1/day.

At the end of the experiment, plantlets were removed from the media andweighed for the determination of plant fresh weight. Relative GrowthRate is determined by comparing the leaf area, root length and rootcoverage between each couple of sequential photographs, and results areused to resolve the effect of the gene introduced on plant vigor, underosmotic stress, as well as under optimal conditions. Similarly, theeffect of the gene introduced on biomass accumulation, under osmoticstress as well as under optimal conditions, is determined by comparingthe plants' fresh weight to control plants (GUI).

Statistical analyses—To identify outperforming genes and constructs,results from the independent transformation events are evaluate for theoverall influence of the gene (gene effect) and for each of the testedevents (best event). Student's t test were applied, using significanceof p<0.05 or p<0.1. The JMP statistics software package is used (Version5.2.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C., USA).

Experimental Results

The polynucleotide sequences of the invention were assayed for a numberof desired traits.

Tables 5-6 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing thepolynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoterunder 25% PEG conditions. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol, with A indicating a difference at a P<0.05 level ofsignificance and, A* a difference at a P<0.1 level of significance.

TABLE 5 Genes showing improve Leaf Area under 25% PEG Leaf Area[cm{circumflex over ( )}2], 25% PEG Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting % % improvement LSM improvement LSM of Gene best of Best bestBest Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B 0.68 B 0.68 B MAB1 0.49 A0.63 A 67 0.72 B 6 0.80 18 MAB25 0.33 C 0.49 A 28 0.61 B 0.88 A 30 Table5: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 6 Genes showing improve Leaf Area under 25% PEG Leaf Area[cm{circumflex over ( )}2], 25% PEG Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting % % improvement LSM improvement LSM of Gene best of Best bestBest Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B 0.44 B 0.44 B MAB15 0.25 B0.32 A 43 0.36 B 0.48 B 9 MAB17 0.27 A 0.36 A 57 0.46 B 0.65 A 48 MAB180.30 A 0.36 A 57 0.39 B 0.51 B 15 MAB35 0.21 B 0.26 B 14 0.38 B 0.60 A36 Table 6: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 7-9 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter under 25%

PEG conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 7 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], 25% PEG Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % improvement LSM improvement LSM ofGene best of Best best Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 4.37 B 4.37 B 6.69B 6.69 B MAB1 7.17 A 10.32 A 136 9.25 A 9.73 A 45 Table 7: LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference atP < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 8 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], 25% PEG Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement bestof Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 4.04 B 4.04 B 11.09 B11.09 B MAB15 4.53 B 5.60 A 39 10.10 B 11.74 B 6 MAB18 5.23 A 6.79 A 689.92 B 10.29 B −7 MAB146 5.10 B 7.01 A 73 8.67 B 10.04 B −9 Table 8: LSM= Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference atP < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 9 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], 25% PEG Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % improvement improvement LSM of LSM ofbest Best best Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 2.11 B 2.11 B 5.67 B5.67 B MAB18 2.05 B 2.75 B 30 5.40 B 8.76 A 55 MAB32 1.98 B 5.06 A 1404.31 B 10.55 A 86 MAB35 2.62 B 3.82 A 81 7.19 A* 10.04 A 77 MAB4 3.03 A5.64 A 168 7.38 A* 11.38 A 101 MAB146 1.84 B 3.65 A 73 5.05 B 9.21 A 63Table 9: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 10-11 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment,using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letteras the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 10 Roots Length [cm], PEG 25% Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- Gene Signifi- best Signifi- mentof Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSM cance* Event cance* Best eventLSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI 4.71 A 4.71 A 5.71 B 5.71 B MAB15.37 A 5.91 A 25 6.09 B 6.40 B 12 Table 10: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differenceat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 11 Roots Length [cm], PEG 25% Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best of BestGene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 2.88 B 2.88 B 5.11 B 5.11 B MAB18 3.22 B4.29 A 49 4.86 B 6.33 B 24 MAB32 2.74 B 5.78 A 101 3.75 B 7.17 A 40MAB35 3.35 A* 4.79 A 66 5.30 B 6.76 A 32 MAB4 3.25 B 4.80 A 67 5.24 B7.32 A 43 MAB146 2.43 B 4.00 A 39 4.04 B 6.39 A 25 Table 11: LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference atP < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 12-13 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment,using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letteras the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 12 Leaf Area RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.46 B 0.46 B 0.12B 0.12 B MAB1 0.68 A 1.47 A 222 0.20 A 0.30 A 151 MAB17 0.43 B 0.50 B 80.17 B 0.29 A 145 MAB35 0.65 A 0.71 A 54 0.19 A 0.23 A 93 MAB146 0.55 B0.80 A 75 0.16 B 0.20 B 66 Table 12: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differenceat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 13 Leaf Area RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day 7from planting Day 10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B 0.24B 0.24 B MAB6 0.89 A 1.60 A 226 0.27 B 0.33 B 39 Table 13: LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference atP < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 14-18 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 14 Roots Coverage RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 5.74 B 5.74 B 0.11B 0.11 B MAB25 4.03 B 5.44 B −5 0.16 B 0.21 A 96 MAB44 5.32 B 7.79 B 360.17 B 0.28 A 155 Table 14: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 15 Roots Coverage RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.43 B 0.43 B 0.30B 0.30 B MAB1 2.16 A 3.09 A 621 0.36 B 0.43 A 44 MAB15 1.55 A 2.81 A 5550.30 B 0.33 B 9 MAB17 1.99 A 4.08 A 852 0.35 B 0.53 A 78 MAB18 1.44 A1.90 A 343 0.29 B 0.36 B 19 MAB35 1.10 B 1.71 B 298 0.37 B 0.48 A 59MAB146 2.16 A 4.03 A 841 0.30 B 0.41 A 38 Table 15: LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1.The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 16 Roots Coverage RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 1.27 B 1.27 B 0.08B 0.08 B MAB100 1.26 B 1.52 B 19 0.12 B 0.19 A 131 MAB134 1.64 A* 2.20 A73 0.08 B 0.12 B 48 MAB13 1.57 B 2.16 A 70 0.19 A 0.32 A 294 MAB15 1.61A* 2.71 A 113 0.10 B 0.13 B 56 MAB17 2.15 A 2.24 A 76 0.13 B 0.15 B 88MAB3_GA 1.52 B 2.02 A 58 0.09 B 0.12 B 45 Table 16: LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 17 Roots Coverage RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.95 B 0.95 B 0.30B 0.30 B MAB18 0.75 B 2.04 A 116 0.29 B 0.47 A 60 MAB35 1.44 A* 4.53 A379 0.32 B 0.48 A 63 MAB4 1.28 B 2.17 A 129 0.29 B 0.44 A 49 MAB146 0.47B 0.86 B −9 0.35 B 0.45 A 52 Table 17: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 18 Roots Coverage RGR [cm{circumflex over ( )}2/day], PEG 25% Day7 from planting Day 10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 1.66 B 1.66 B 0.21B 0.21 B MAB43 1.43 B 2.24 B 35 0.29 A 0.39 A 86 Table 18: LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 19-21 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 19 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Day 7 from planting Day 14from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best ofBest Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B 0.09 B 0.09 BMAB1 0.46 A 0.58 A 148 0.12 A 0.14 A 58 MAB15 0.43 A 0.58 A 148 0.08 B0.10 B 16 MAB17 0.45 A 0.57 A 147 0.11 A 0.16 A 87 MAB18 0.41 A 0.44 A89 0.10 B 0.13 A 45 MAB35 0.31 B 0.37 A 59 0.10 B 0.13 A 51 MAB146 0.49A 0.65 A 178 0.09 B 0.10 B 17 Table 19: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 20 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Day 7 from planting Day 14from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best ofBest Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B 0.07 B 0.07 BMAB134 0.28 A 0.33 A 68 0.07 B 0.08 B 16 MAB13 0.34 A 0.46 A 133 0.11 A0.15 A 113 MAB15 0.30 A 0.47 A 139 0.06 B 0.07 B 1 MAB17 0.39 A 0.44 A121 0.09 B 0.10 B 39 MAB3_GA 0.28 A 0.34 A 72 0.05 B 0.08 B 8 Table 20;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 21 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Day 7 from planting Day 10from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best ofBest Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.29 B 0.29 B 0.11 B 0.11 BMAB137 0.27 B 0.39 A 32 0.11 B 0.12 B 11 MAB43 0.33 B 0.49 A 66 0.14 A0.17 A 60 MAB50 0.37 A 0.53 A 82 0.13 B 0.15 A 45 MAB6 0.33 B 0.43 A 470.12 B 0.15 B 38 Table 21; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 22-23 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 22 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], PEG 25% LSM % best improvement Gene IdLSM Significance* Event Significance* of Best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 BMAB15 0.25 B 0.30 A 51 MAB18 0.21 B 0.26 A 33 Table 22; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 23 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], PEG 25% % im- LSM provement best ofGene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* Best event GUI 0.18 B 0.18B MAB17 0.22 B 0.29 A 66 MAB3_GA 0.18 B 0.27 A 53 Table 23; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 24-27 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing thepolynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoterin normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment,using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letteras the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 24 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal Conditions Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % improvement improvement LSM ofLSM of Gene best Best best Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B 0.82B 0.82 B MAB1 0.65 A 0.73 A 47 1.00 A 1.13 A 38 Table 24; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificantly different at P < 0.05. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 25 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal Conditions Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementGene best of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.24 B 0.24 B 0.56B 0.56 B MAB17 0.31 A 0.34 A 40 0.73 A 0.90 A 61 MAB18 0.29 A 0.37 A 520.69 A 0.79 A 42 Table 25: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 26 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal Conditions Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B 0.98B 0.98 B MAB15 0.46 A* 0.61 A 57 1.22 A 1.38 A 41 MAB17 0.46 A* 0.57 A47 1.13 A* 1.32 A 34 MABA3_GA 0.38 B 0.56 A 45 0.97 B 1.38 A 40 Table26: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 27 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal conditions Day 7from planting Day 10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementGene best of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B 0.67B 0.67 B MAB6 0.32 B 0.41 A 19 0.60 B 0.74 B 0.60 Table 27: LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 28-31 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 28 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal conditionsDay 7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSMimprovement Gene best of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* EventSignificance* event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 3.34B 3.34 B 11.61 B 11.61 B MAB18 3.31 B 4.78 A 43 10.66 B 13.30 B 14 Table28; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 29 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal conditionsDay 7 from planting Signifi- LSM best Signifi- % improvement of Gene IdLSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI 5.40 B 5.40 B MAB100 5.05 B 7.06A 31 Table 29: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 30 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal conditionsDay 7 from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSMimprovement Gene best of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* EventSignificance* event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 3.53B 3.53 B 8.52 B 8.52 B MAB18 4.17 A* 5.30 A 50 9.81 A* 12.89 A 51 MAB322.55 B 4.71 A 33 6.40 B 12.37 A 45 MAB35 3.73 B 4.59 A 30 8.55 B 11.12 A30 MAB46 2.46 B 3.42 B −3 6.55 B 10.98 A 29 MAB146 2.33 B 3.95 B 12 7.05B 10.86 A 28 Table 30: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compareto control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A*meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the clonedgenes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in theplants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 31 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], Normal conditionsDay 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve-Gene Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of IdLSM cance* Event cance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best eventGUI 3.73 B 3.73 B 7.11 B 7.11 B MAB6 3.63 B 4.94 A 33 6.30 B 8.00 B 13Table 31: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 32-33 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 32 Roots Length [cm], Normal conditions Day 7 from planting Day 14from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best ofBest Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 5.89 B 5.89 B 6.82 B 6.82 BMAB1 6.73 A 7.39 A 26 7.02 B 7.63 B 12 MAB10 5.45 B 8.07 A 37 5.83 B8.18 B 20 Table 32: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 33 Roots Length [cm], Normal conditions Day 7 from planting Day 14from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- Gene Signifi- best Signifi-ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSM cance* Event cance* Bestevent LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI 3.96 B 3.96 B 6.51 B 6.51 BMAB18 5.07 A 5.70 A 44 7.08 A 8.03 A 23 MAB32 3.68 B 6.12 A 55 5.82 B8.22 A 26 MAB35 4.58 A 5.76 A 46 6.77 B 7.75 A 19 MAB46 3.39 B 4.31 B 95.55 B 7.42 A 14 MAB146 3.14 B 4.82 A 22 5.47 B 7.48 A 15 Table 33: LSM= Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 34-36 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 34 Leaf Area RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best ofBest best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.43 B 0.43 B 0.20 B 0.20 BMAB15 0.79 A 1.25 A 189 0.21 B 0.27 B 36 MAB146 0.62 B 0.97 A 124 0.15 C0.18 B −13 Table 34: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 35 Leaf Area RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- Gene Signifi- bestSignifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSM cance* Eventcance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI 0.73 B 0.73 B0.21 B 0.21 B MAB100 0.72 B 1.00 A 37 0.27 B 0.32 A 48 MAB134 0.85 B0.92 B 27 0.31 A 0.37 A 75 MAB15 0.88  A* 1.24 A 70 0.28 B 0.33 A 56MAB17 0.91 A 1.18 A 62 0.26 B 0.33 A 55 MAB3_GA 0.88 B 1.16 A 59 0.27 B0.31 B 46 Table 35: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 36 Leaf Area RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best ofBest best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.92 B 0.29 B 0.29 B MAB320.95 B 1.31 A 43 0.28 B 0.31 B 5 Table 36: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 37-41 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 37 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 5.62 B 5.62 B 0.18 B0.18 B MAB10 7.69 B 15.10 A 168 0.08 B 0.14 B −20 MAB44 5.28 B 11.69 A108 0.13 B 0.17 B −5 Table 37: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 38 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B 0.40 B0.40 B MAB1 0.90 A 1.23 A 444 0.33 B 0.42 B 7 MAB15 1.06 A 1.65 A 6280.34 B 0.42 B 6 MAB18 0.94 A 1.76 A 677 0.37 B 0.52 B 32 MAB35 0.56 B1.00 A 342 0.38 B 0.41 B 3 MAB146 0.80 A 1.09 A 381 0.35 B 0.50 B 26Table 38; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 39 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 1.64 B 1.64 B 0.12 B0.12 B MAB134 3.09 A 4.38 A 167 0.14 B 0.17 B 35 MAB13 2.47 A 2.82 A 720.11 B 0.13 B 6 MAB15 1.96 B 2.75 A 68 0.15 B 0.16 B 33 MAB17 2.09 B3.09 A 89 0.15 B 0.20 A 60 Table 39: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 40 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- GeneSignifi- best Signifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSMcance* Event cance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI2.53 B 2.53 B 0.24 B 0.24 B MAB35 1.66 B 4.14 A 63 0.29 B 0.54 A 123MAB4 1.46 B 2.64 B 4 0.32 B 0.42 A 73 MAB146 0.62 B 0.95 B −63 0.41 A0.75 A 207 Table 40: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 41 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 1.08 B 1.08 B 0.31 B0.31 B MAB137 1.36 B 2.03 A 88 0.26 B 0.31 B 1 MAB43 1.39 B 2.35 A 1180.23 B 0.27 B −12 MAB50 1.57 A 1.98 A 83 0.27 B 0.30 B −3 MAB6 1.16 B1.94 A 80 0.25 B 0.29 B −6 MAB99 1.48 A 2.63 A 144 0.21 B 0.27 B −13Table 41: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 42-46 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 42 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Signifi- LSM best Signifi- % improvement Gene Id LSM cance*Event cance* of Best event GUI 1.07 B 1.07 B MAB10 1.29 B 2.01 A 88Table 42: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 43 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Signifi- LSM best Signifi- % improvement Gene Id LSM cance*Event cance* of Best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B MAB1 0.26 A 0.34 A 93 MAB150.32 A 0.45 A 156 MAB17 0.24 A 0.28 A 61 MAB18 0.30 A 0.41 A 136 MAB1460.26 A 0.34 A 93 Table 43: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 44 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.29 B 0.29 B 0.08 B0.08 B MAB100 0.36 B 0.39 B 31 0.08 B 0.13 A 67 MAB134 0.51 A 0.63 A 1150.08 B 0.09 B 23 MAB13 0.50 A 0.61 A 107 0.08 B 0.09 B 19 MAB15 0.40 A0.53 A 79 0.08 B 0.09 B 19 MAB17 0.38  A* 0.44 A 49 0.10 A 0.13 A 70Table 44: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 45 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 14 fromplanting LSM % best Sig- improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Eventnificance* of Best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB32 0.11 B 0.15 A 35 MAB350.11 B 0.20 A 76 MAB4 0.11 B 0.17 A 50 MAB146 0.15 A 0.19 A 71 Table 45:LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); ); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 46 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Day 7 fromplanting Day 10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.31 B 0.31 B 0.12 B0.12 B MAB137 0.33 B 0.40 A 31 0.11 B 0.12 B −1 MAB43 0.33 B 0.44 A 410.11 B 0.12 B −2 MAB50 0.39 A 0.42 A 35 0.13 B 0.17 A 34 MAB6 0.30 B0.41 A 33 0.12 B 0.18 A 41 Table 46: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 47-48 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 47 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], Normal conditions Day 14 from plantingLSM % best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* ofBest event GUI 0.15 B 0.15 B MAB15 0.24 A 0.28 A 93 MAB17 0.21 A 0.25 A73 MAB18 0.22 A 0.29 A 101 Table 47: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 48 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], Normal conditions Day 14 from plantingLSM % best Sig- improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event nificance*of Best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MAB100 0.28  A* 0.33 A 62 MAB134 0.23 B0.34 A 64 MAB13 0.31 A 0.35 A 73 MAB15 0.38 A 0.42 A 106 MAB17 0.37 A0.53 A 159 MAB3_GA 0.28  A* 0.40 A 94 Table 48: LSM = Least square mean;% improvement = compare to control (GUI); ); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Assay 2: plant growth at Nitrogen deficiency under Tissue cultureconditions—The present inventors have found the NUE (NitrogenUtilization Efficiency) assay to be relevant for the evaluation of theABST candidate genes, since NUE deficiency encourages root elongation,increase of root coverage and allows detecting the potential of theplant to generate a better root system under drought conditions. Inaddition, there are indications in the literature (Wesley et al., 2002Journal of Experiment Botany Vol. 53, No. 366, pp. 13-25) thatbiological mechanisms of NUE and drought tolerance are linked.

Surface sterilized seeds are sown in basal media [50% Murashige-Skoogmedium (MS) supplemented with 0.8% plant agar as solidifying agent] inthe presence of Kanamycin (for selecting only transgenic plants). Aftersowing, plates are transferred for 2-3 days at 4° C. for stratificationand then grown at 25° C. under 12-hour light 12-hour dark daily cyclesfor 7 to 10 days. At this time point, seedlings randomly chosen arecarefully transferred to plates holding nitrogen-limiting conditions:0.5 MS media in which the combined nitrogen concentration (NH₄NO₃ andKNO₃) is 0.75 mM (nitrogen deficient conditions) or to plates holdingnormal nitrogen conditions: 0.5 MS media in which the combined nitrogenconcentration (NH₄NO₃ and KNO₃) is 3 mM (normal nitrogen concentration).All tissue culture experiments were grown at the same time (NUE, PEG andNormal). Results for growth under normal conditions for NUE are the sameas for PEG and are presented in assay 1. Each plate contains 5 seedlingsof the same event, and 3-4 different plates (replicates) for each event.For each polynucleotide of the invention at least four independenttransformation events are analyzed from each construct. Plantsexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention are compared to theaverage measurement of the control plants (GUI-harboring the GUS geneunder the same promoter) used in the same experiment.

Digital imaging and statistical analysis—Parameters were measured andanalyzed as described in Assay 1 above.

Experimental Results—The polynucleotide sequences of the invention wereassayed for a number of desired traits.

Tables 49-53 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing thepolynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoterin nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 49 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % improvement LSM improvement LSM ofbest of Best best Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.45 B 0.45 B 0.41B 0.41 B MAB1 0.49 B 0.65 A 44 0.50 A 0.55 A 35 MAB10 0.46 B 0.62 A 380.51 A 0.69 A 68 MAB6 0.42 B 0.53 B 17 0.49 B 0.61 A 49 Table 49: LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 50 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B 0.41 B0.41 B MAB1 0.22 B 0.24 B 5 0.50 A 0.55 A 35 MAB15 0.25 B 0.32 A 43 0.51A 0.69 A 68 MAB17 0.27 A 0.36 A 57 0.55 A 0.70 A 72 MAB18 0.30 A 0.36 A57 0.59 A 0.73 A 80 MAB35 0.21 B 0.26 B 14 0.49 B 0.61 A 49 MAB146 0.26B 0.28 B 23 0.55 A 0.60 A 48 Table 50: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 51 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 fromplanting LSM % best Sig- improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Eventnificance* of Best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B MAB17 0.32 B 0.44 A 31MAB3_GA 0.32 B 0.44 A 31 Table 51: LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 52 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 fromplanting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Genebest of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* eventLSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.21 B 0.21 B 0.63 B0.63 B MAB18 0.23 B 0.31 A 50 0.58 B 0.77 A 22 MAB4 0.20 B 0.31 A 480.54 B 0.82 A 30 MAB146 0.21 B 0.29 A 41 0.48 C 0.59 B −6 Table 52: LSM= Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 53 Leaf Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 fromplanting Day 10 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- GeneSignifi- best Signifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSMcance* Event cance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI0.27 B 0.27 B 0.51 B 0.51 B MAB43 0.25 B 0.35 A 29 0.47 B 0.60 B 18MAB50 0.28 B 0.32 B 19 0.54 B 0.66 A 31 MAB6 0.28 B 0.35 A 28 0.54 B0.69 A 35 MAB66 0.28 B 0.34 A 25 0.51 B 0.59 B 17 MAB99 0.27 B 0.35 A 280.51 B 0.59 B 16 Table 53: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 54-57 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 54 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementbest of Best best of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 6.18 B 6.18 B14.36 B 14.36 B MAB1 73.3 B 8.56 A 39 13.18 B 16.22 B 13 MAB10 7.93 A10.38 A 68 13.32 B 14.67 B 2 MAB25 5.83 B 6.93 B 12 11.12 A 13.90 B −3MAB44 5.37 B 9.93 A 61 11.14 A 17.59 B 22 MAB6 6.88 B 9.31 A 51 12.79 B15.66 B 9 Table 54: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 55 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- GeneSignifi- best Signifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSMcance* Event cance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI4.04 B 4.04 B 12.24 B 12.24 B MAB15 4.53 B 5.60 A 39 13.70 B 16.40 A 34MAB17 4.15 B 4.85 B 20 13.16 B 15.06 A 23 MAB18 5.23 A 6.79 A 68 14.47 A15.52 A 27 MAB35 4.03 B 4.90 B 21 13.95 B 15.62 A 28 MAB146 5.10 B 7.01A 73 14.65 A 15.70 A 28 Table 55; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 56 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7from planting Day 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvementGene best of Best best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance*event LSM Significance* Event Significance* event GUI 3.14 B 3.14 B10.88 B 10.88 B MAB18 5.39 A 7.64 A 144 12.76 B 16.64 A 53 MAB32 3.58 B7.13 A 127 9.79 B 16.22 A 49 MAB35 5.00 A 6.49 A 107 13.31 A 15.36 A 41MAB4 4.16 B 7.34 A 134 12.00 B 16.52 A 52 MAB46 3.01 B 3.78 B 21 8.35 C12.09 B 11 MAB146 4.22 B 7.34 A 134 11.48 B 14.98 A 38 Table 56; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 57 Roots Coverage [cm{circumflex over ( )}2], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7from planting Day 10 from planting LSM % improve- LSM % improve- GeneSignifi- best Signifi- ment of Signifi- best Signifi- ment of Id LSMcance* Event cance* Best event LSM cance* Event cance* Best event GUI4.56 B 4.56 B 9.81 B 9.81 B MAB6 5.66 A 7.98 A 75 10.61 B 14.87 A 52MAB66 5.83 A 6.58 A 44 10.31 B 11.49 B 17 Table 57; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 58-61 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 58 Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting LSM % bestimprovement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* of Best eventGUI 6.31 B 6.31 B MAB44 5.34 B 7.07 A 12 Table 58; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 59 Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Best best ofBest Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 4.55 B 4.55 B 7.23 B 7.23 B MAB15 4.48 B5.40 A 19 6.93 B 7.49 B 4 MAB18 4.61 B 5.48 A 20 7.59 B 7.86 B 9 MAB1464.70 B 5.20 B 14 7.66 B 7.95 A 10 Table 59; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 60 Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day 14 fromplanting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best of BestGene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 3.61 B 3.61 B 6.15 B 6.15 B MAB18 4.93 A6.44 A 79 7.30 A 8.11 A 32 MAB32 4.02 B 6.48 A 80 6.53 B 8.51 A 38 MAB354.70 A 5.47 A 52 7.20 A 7.46 A 21 MAB4 4.06  A* 5.54 A 54 6.60 B 8.02 A30 MAB146 3.77 B 5.54 A 54 60.9 B 7.19 A 17 Table 60; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 61 Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting LSM % bestimprovement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* of Best eventGUI 4.87 B 4.87 B MAB66 5.27 B 5.74 A 18 Table 61; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 62-64 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents anindependent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes notconnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 62 Leaf area RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day 14from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Best bestof Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSM Significance*Event Significance* event GUI 0.46 B 0.46 B 0.12 B 0.12 B MAB1 0.68 A1.47 A 222 0.20 A 0.30 A 151 MAB17 0.43 B 0.50 B 8 0.17 B 0.29 A 145MAB35 0.65 A 0.71 A 54 0.19 A 0.23 A 93 MAB146 0.55 B 0.80 A 75 0.16 B0.20 B 66 Table 62; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 63 Leaf area RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting LSM %best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* of Bestevent GUI 0.80 B 0.80 B MAB18 0.87 B 1.24 A 56 MAB32 0.94 B 1.53 A 91MAB35 0.96 B 1.21 A 51 MAB4 0.71 B 0.81 B 1 MAB46 0.64 B 0.75 B −7MAB146 0.82 B 1.04 B 30 Table 63; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 64 Leaf area RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day 10from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best best ofBest Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 1.22 B 1.22 B 0.28 B 0.28 BMAB137 2.12 B 5.12 A 319 0.29 B 0.35 B 25 MAB43 1.94 B 5.18 A 323 0.29 B0.35 B 28 MAB50 1.15 B 1.76 B 44 0.32 B 0.41 A 50 Table 64; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 65-69 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table representsan independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genesnot connected by same letter as the control (A, B, C) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 65 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best ofBest best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 5.35 B 5.35 B 0.28 B 0.28 BMAB25 7.38 B 11.62 A 117 0.19 C 0.26 B −6 MAB44 7.19 B 11.52 A 115 0.26B 0.35 B 23 Table 65; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compareto control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A*meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the clonedgenes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in theplants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 66 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best ofBest best of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.43 B 0.43 B 0.30 B 0.30 BMAB1 2.16 A 3.09 A 621 0.36 B 0.43 A 44 MAB15 1.55 A 2.81 A 555 0.30 B0.33 B 9 MAB17 1.99 A 4.08 A 852 0.35 B 0.53 A 78 MAB18 1.44 A 1.90 A343 0.29 B 0.36 B 19 MAB35 1.10 B 1.71 B 298 0.37 B 0.48 A 59 MAB1462.16 A 4.03 A 841 0.30 B 0.41 A 38 Table 66; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 67 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from plantingLSM % best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* ofBest event GUI 2.30 B 2.30 B MAB100 2.85 B 4.02 A 74 MAB134 4.27 A 5.99A 160 MAB13 3.95 A 4.84 A 110 MAB15 3.05 A* 3.97 A 73 MAB17 2.96 B 3.76A 63 Table 67; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 68 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from plantingDay 14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Bestbest of Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 2.28 B 2.28 B 0.44 B 0.44 BMAB35 2.02 B 4.82 A 111 0.33 B 0.53 B 20 MAB4 1.80 B 2.90 B 27 0.40 B0.63 A 42 Table 68; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 69 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from plantingSignifi- LSM best Signifi- % improvement Gene Id LSM cance* Event cance*of Best event GUI 1.60 B 1.60 B MAB137 2.19 A 2.55 B 60 MAB43 2.00 B2.75 A 72 MAB50 2.26 A 3.28 A 105 MAB6 2.45 A 2.96 A 85 MAB66 1.81 B2.87 A 80 MAB99 2.25 A 3.73 A 133 Table 69; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 70-74 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table representsan independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genesnot connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 70 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Bestbest of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.99 B 0.99 B 0.04 B 0.04 BMAB44 1.10 B 1.64 A 65 0.06 B 0.09 A 108 Table 70; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 71 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Bestbest of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B 0.09 B 0.09 BMAB1 0.46 A 0.58 A 148 0.12 A 0.14 A 58 MAB15 0.43 A 0.58 A 148 0.08 B0.10 B 16 MAB17 0.45 A 0.57 A 147 0.11 A 0.16 A 87 MAB18 0.41 A 0.44 A89 0.10 B 0.13 A 45 MAB35 0.31 B 0.37 A 59 0.10 B 0.13 A 51 Table 71;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 72 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Bestbest of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.35 B 0.35 B 0.06 B 0.06 BMAB100 0.46 A 0.61 A 73 0.08 B 0.11 A 80 MAB134 0.62 A 0.73 A 107 0.09 A0.10 A 60 MAB13 0.69 A 0.84 A 140 0.08 B 0.11 A 66 MAB15 0.52 A 0.58 A66 0.07 B 0.09 B 44 MAB17 0.52 A 0.64 A 81 0.08 B 0.09 A 44 MAB3_GA 0.44B 0.51 A 46 0.07 B 0.09 B 38 Table 72; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 73 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day14 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement Gene best of Bestbest of Best Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.61 B 0.61 B 0.12 B 0.12 BMAB35 0.52 B 0.91 A 48 0.10 B 0.16 B 29 MAB4 0.53 B 0.65 B 6 0.12 B 0.19A 52 MAB146 0.37 C 0.42 B −31 0.12 B 0.17 A 39 Table 73; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 74 Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Day 7 from planting Day10 from planting % % LSM improvement LSM improvement best of Best bestof Best Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* event LSMSignificance* Event Significance* event GUI 0.36 B 0.36 B 0.11 B 0.11 BMAB137 0.46 A 0.55 A 52 0.13 B 0.18 A 72 MAB43 0.41 B 0.53 A 47 0.12 B0.14 B 30 MAB50 0.48 A 0.57 A 59 0.12 B 0.16 A 46 MAB6 0.53 A 0.64 A 790.10 B 0.12 B 9 MAB66 0.41 B 0.55 A 54 0.10 B 0.12 B 9 MAB99 0.47 A 0.62A 74 0.10 B 0.13 B 19 Table 74; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 75-76 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table representsan independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genesnot connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantlydifferent from the control.

TABLE 75 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], NUE 0.75 mM Day 14 from planting LSM %best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* of Bestevent GUI 0.15 B MAB1 0.25 A 0.46 A 208 MAB6 0.20 B 0.29 A 95 Table 75;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 76 Plant Fresh Weight [gr], NUE 0.75 mM Day 10 from planting LSM %best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance* Event Significance* of Bestevent GUI 0.15 B MAB137 0.18 A 0.19 A 31 MAB50 0.16 B 0.22 A 49 MAB60.16 B 0.22 A 52 MAB66 0.15 B 0.19 A 32 Table 76; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Example 7 Improved ABST in Greenhouse Assay

ABS tolerance: Yield and plant growth rate at high salinityconcentration under greenhouse conditions—This assay follows the rosettearea growth of plants grown in the greenhouse as well as seed yield athigh salinity irrigation. Seeds were sown in agar media supplementedonly with a selection agent (Kanamycin) and Hoagland solution undernursery conditions. The T₂ transgenic seedlings are then transplanted to1.7 trays filled with peat and perlite. The trails were irrigated withtap water (provided from the pots' bottom). Half of the plants areirrigated with a salt solution (40-80 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl₂) to inducesalinity stress (stress conditions). The other half of the plants arecontinued to be irrigated with tap water (normal conditions). All plantsare grown in the greenhouse until plants reach the mature seeds stage,then harvested (the above ground tissue) and weighted (immediately orfollowing drying in oven at 50° C. for 24 hour). High salinityconditions are achieved by irrigation with a solution containing 40-80mM NaCl (“ABS” growth conditions) and are compared to regular growthconditions.

The plants were analyzed for their overall size, growth rate, seedyield, and weight of 1,000 seeds, dry matter and harvest index (HI-seedyield/dry matter). Transgenic plants performance was compared to controlplants grown in parallel under the same conditions. Mock-transgenicplants expressing the uidA reporter gene (GUS Intron—GUI) under the samepromoter were used as control.

The experiment is planned in nested randomized plot distribution. Highsalinity conditions are achieved by irrigation with a solutioncontaining 40-80 mM NaCl (“ABS” growth conditions).

Digital imaging—A laboratory image acquisition system, which consists ofa digital reflex camera (Canon EOS 300D) attached with a 55 mm focallength lens (Canon EF-S series), mounted on a reproduction device(Kaiser RS), which included 4 light units (4×150 Watts light bulb) wasused for capturing images of plantlets.

The image capturing process was repeated every 2-3 days starting at day1 after sowing till day 10. The same camera attached with a 24 mm focallength lens (Canon EF series), placed in a custom made iron mount, wasused for capturing images of larger plants sawn in white tubs in anenvironmental controlled greenhouse (as seen on FIGS. 2 a-b). The tubswere square shape include 1.7 liter trays. During the capture process,the trays were placed beneath the iron mount, while avoiding direct sunlight and casting of shadows. This process was repeated every 2-3 daysfor up to 10 days.

An image analysis system was used, which consists of a personal desktopcomputer (Intel P4 3.0 GHz processor) and a public domain program—ImageJ1.37 (Java based image processing program which was developed at the U.SNational Institutes of Health and freely available on the internet atHypertext Transfer Protocol://rsbweb (dot) nih (dot) gov/). Images werecaptured in resolution of 6 Mega Pixels (3072×2048 pixels) and stored ina low compression JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group standard)format. Next, analyzed data was saved to text files and processed usingthe JMP statistical analysis software (SAS institute).

Vegetative parameters analysis—Using the digital analysis leaves datawas calculated, including leaf Average area, Rosette diameter androsette area. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) for the rosette parameterswas calculated according to Formula I as described in Example 6. On day80 from sowing, the plants were harvested and left to dry at 30° C. in adrying chamber. The biomass and seed weight of each plot was separated,measured and divided by the number of plants. Dry weight=total weight ofthe vegetative portion above ground (excluding roots) after drying at30° C. in a drying chamber; Seed yield per plant=total seed weight perplant (gr).

The weight of 1000 seeds was determine as follows: seeds were scatteredon a glass tray and a picture was taken. Each sample was weighted andthen using the digital analysis, the number of seeds in each sample wascalculated. 1000 seeds weight was calculated using formula II:

1000 Seed Weight=number of seed in sample/sample weight×1000   FormulaII

Harvest Index—The harvest index was calculated using Formula III

Harvest Index=Average seed yield per plant/Average dry weight   FormulaIII

Each construct is validated in its T2 generation. Transgenic plantsexpressing the uidA reporter gene (GUI) under the same promoter are usedas control.

Statistical analyses—To identify genes conferring significantly improvedtolerance to abiotic stresses or enlarged root architecture, the resultsobtained from the transgenic plants are compared to those obtained fromcontrol plants. To identify outperforming genes and constructs, resultsfrom the independent transformation events tested are analyzedseparately. In addition, genes and constructs are also analyzed takinginto consideration the results obtained from all the independenttransformation events tested the specific construct. For gene versuscontrol analysis Student's t test were applied, using significance ofP<0.05 or P<0.1. The JMP statistics software package is used (Version5.2.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C., USA).

Experimental Results

The polynucleotide sequences of the invention were assayed for a numberof desired traits.

Tables 77-86 depict analyses of Rosette Area in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 77 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.58 B 0.58 B MAB20 0.59 B 0.84 A 43MAB50 0.57 B 0.88 A 51 Table 77; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 78 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 fromplanting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.27 B 1.27 B MAB20 1.20 B 1.73 a 36MAB50 1.21 B 2.04 a 61 Table 78; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 79 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 3.62 B 3.62 B MAB20 3.97 B 5.18 A 43MAB50 3.88 B 6.11 A 69 Table 79; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 80 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 7.22 B 7.22 B MAB50 6.75 B 10.18 A 41Table 80; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 81 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.63 B 1.63 B MAB1 2.03 A 2.29 A 40 MAB61.34 B 2.40 A 47 Table 78; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 82 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 2.88 B 2.88 B MAB1 3.41 A* 3.76 A 31Table 82; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1;. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 83 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.73 B 0.73 B MAB1 0.77 B 0.91 A 25 Table83; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 84 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.41 B 1.41 B MAB1 1.62 A* 2.02 A 44MAB17 1.14 B 1.80 A 28 Table 84; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 85 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 fromplanting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 2.37 B 2.37 B MAB1 2.59 B 3.56 A 50 MAB132.45 B 3.44 A 45 MAB17 1.96 C 3.10 A 31 Table 85; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 86 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 fromplanting LSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 4.67 B 4.67 B MAB1 5.37 A* 7.93 A 70MAB15 4.78 B 6.08 A 30 MAB17 4.02 B 6.19 A 32 MAB3_GA 4.39 B 6.07 A 30Table 86; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 87-96 depict analyses of Rosette Diameter in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 87 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 1.50 B 1.50 B MAB50 1.35 B 1.80 A 20 Table 87; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 88 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 2.05 B 2.05 B MAB50 1.82 C 2.44 A 19 Table 88; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 89 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 3.23 B 3.23 B MAB50 3.16 B 4.12 A 27 Table 89; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 90 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 10 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 4.47 B 4.47 B MAB50 4.20 B 5.31 A 19 Table 90; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 91 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 3 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 2.25 B 2.25 B MAB1 2.60 A 2.78 A 23 Table 91; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 92 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting % LSM ofBest improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 2.87 B 2.87 B MAB1 3.27 A* 9.25 A 223 MAB20 2.63 B 9.69 A 238MAB6 2.51 B 10.00 A 249 Table 92; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 93 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting LSM of %Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance bestevent GUI 4.90 B 4.90 B MAB6 4.35 B 6.26 A 28 Table 93; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 94 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting LSM of %Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance bestevent GUI 2.05 B 2.05 B MAB1 2.22 B 2.55 A 25 Table 94; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 95 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting LSM of %Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 2.56 B 2.56 B MAB1 2.78 B 3.29 A 29 MAB3_GA 2.56 B 3.04 A 19Table 95; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 96 Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 10 from planting LSM of %Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance of bestevent GUI 3.52 B 3.52 B MAB1 3.79 B 4.76 A 35 MAB17 3.24 B 4.14 A 17MAB3_GA 3.44 B 4.12 A 17 Table 96; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 97-105 depict analyses of Leaf Average Area in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 97 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl Day 3from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.10 B 0.10 B MAB25 0.10 B 0.13 A 30Table 97; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 98 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl Day 5from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB50 0.15 B 0.23 A 45Table 98; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 99 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.45 B 0.45 B MAB50 0.41 B 0.61 A 34Table 99; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 100 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day10 from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance of best event GUI 0.74 B 0.74 B MAB50 0.66 B 0.92 A25 Table 100; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOS. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 101 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MAB1 0.25 A 0.28 A 43 MAB60.18 B 0.30 A 51 MAB7 0.23 B 0.27 A 36 Table 101; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 102 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 B MAB1 0.80 A* 0.86 A* 24MAB20 0.62 B 0.87 A 25 MAB6 0.59 B 0.99 A 44 Table 102; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 103 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MAB1 0.22 B 0.27 A 30 MAB17— — 0.25 A 21 Table 103; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 104 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance best event GUI 0.28 B 0.28 B MAB1 0.30 B 0.37 A 33MAB17 0.24 B 0.34 A 22 Table 104; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 105 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day10 from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance of best event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B MAB1 0.55 B 0.76 A 53MAB15 0.52 B 0.63 A 26 MAB17 0.45 B 0.64 A 28 Table 105; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 106-111 depict analyses of RGR Rosette Area [cm̂2] of plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 106 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day3 from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.73 B 0.73 B MAB10 1.21 B 1.86 A 156MAB14 1.31 B 1.80 A 149 MAB2 1.59 A 2.24 A 208 MAB20 1.87 A 2.33 A 221MAB25 1.44 A 1.63 A* 125 MAB36 1.49 A 1.89 A 161 MAB43 1.73 A 3.85 A 430MAB44 1.76 A 2.51 A 246 MAB50 1.37 A* 1.57 A* 117 MAB9 1.47 A 1.75 A 141Table 106; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 107 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day8 from planting % LSM of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.61 B 0.61 B MAB10 0.75 A* 0.91 A 50MAB14 0.79 A 0.86 B 42 MAB19 0.78 A 0.85 A 41 MAB2 0.80 A 0.93 A 54MAB20 0.79 A 0.98 A 61 MAB36 0.83 A 0.95 A 56 MAB44 0.75 A* 0.84 A 38MAB50 0.76 A* 0.83 B 38 MAB6 0.82 A 0.99 A 64 MAB7 0.78 A 0.87 A 44 MAB90.77 A 0.84 A 38 Table 107; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 108 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day5 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B MAB6 0.37 B 0.51 A 33 Table108; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 109 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day3 from planting LSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance best event GUI 0.88 B 0.88 B MAB18 0.99 A* 1.24 A 41Table 109; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 110 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day5 from planting LSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.47 B 0.47 B MAB1 0.55 A 0.64 A 38 MAB130.52 A 0.54 A* 16 MAB17 0.52 A 0.54 A* 17 MAB18 0.53 A 0.58 A 24 MAB3_GA0.53 A 0.62 A 33 MAB32 0.52 A* 0.54 A* 17 MAB35 0.54 A 0.57 A 22 MAB40.51 A* 0.51 A* 10 MAB46 0.52 A* 0.55 A 19 MAB146 0.54 A 0.55 A 19 MAB990.53 A 0.57 A 23 Table 110; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 111 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mM NaCl, Day3 from planting LSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance best event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B MAB1 0.53 B 0.62 A 27MAB35 0.57 A* 0.59 A* 22 MAB46 0.55 B 0.63 A 30 Table 111; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 112-118 depict analyses of RGR of Rosette Diameter in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 112 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 0.28 B MAB2 0.41 B 0.80 A 184 MAB43 0.46 B 0.83 A 195MAB44 0.40 B 0.73 A 160 Table 112; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 113 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 0.19 B 0.19 B MAB1 0.22 B 0.24 B 25 MAB10 0.25 A 0.29 A49 MAB14 0.23 A 0.25 A 31 MAB19 0.24 A 0.26 A 37 MAB2 0.24 A 0.26 A 34MAB20 0.25 A 0.29 A 52 MAB25 0.24 A 0.27 A 42 MAB36 0.25 A 0.28 A 45MAB43 0.22 B 0.25 B 28 MAB50 0.25 A 0.28 A 46 MAB6 0.24 A 0.27 A 41 MAB70.22 B 0.27 A 38 MAB9 0.23 A 0.26 A 34 Table 113; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 114 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 0.14 B 0.14 B MAB10 0.14 B 0.31 A 122 MAB20 0.13 B 0.21 A49 MAB25 0.15 B 0.33 A 138 MAB9 0.15 B 0.20 A 45 Table 114; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 115 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from plantingLSM % Gene Id of Best improvement of LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 0.21 B 0.21 B MAB20 0.23 B 0.34 A 67 MAB9 0.22 B 0.44 A114 Table 115; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 116 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance ofbest event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B MAB18 0.37 B 0.46 A 35 MAB3_GA 0.34 B 0.43A 26 MAB35 0.43 A 0.55 A 62 MAB46 0.39 B 0.49 A 42 MAB99 0.34 B 0.43 A26 Table 116; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 117 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance ofbest event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB1 0.22 A 0.26 A 66 MAB18 0.20 A* 0.23 A*44 MAB46 0.25 A 0.45 A 185 MAB146 0.20 A* 0.22 A* 42 Table 117; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 118 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from plantingLSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance ofbest event GUI 0.08 B 0.08 B MAB35 0.10 B 0.13 A 57 MAB46 0.10 B 0.14 A64 MAB146 0.10 B 0.14 A 66 MAB99 0.10 B 0.13 A 56 Table 118; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 119-121 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm̂2] inplants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under theregulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 120 RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80 mMNaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance of best event GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B MAB100.32 B 0.56 A 74 Table 120; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 121 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B MAB13 0.41B 0.57 A 49 MAB15 0.46 A* 0.54 A 40 MAB17 0.46 A* 0.50 A* 30 Table 121;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

Table 122 depicts analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm̂2] in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 122 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] 80mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM % of Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.28 B 0.28 B MAB2 0.41 B0.80 A 184 MAB43 0.46 B 0.83 A 195 MAB44 0.40 B 0.73 A 160 Table 122;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

Table 123 depicts analyses of Plot Dry weight (DW) in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 123 Dry Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM % of Best improvement Gene IdLSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 4.00 B 4.00 B MAB14.92 A 6.40 A 60 MAB134 4.35 B 5.35 A 34 MAB15 4.42 B 5.57 A 39 MAB184.52 B 5.35 A 34 MAB3_GA 4.53 B 5.47 A 37 Table 123; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 124-126 depict analyses of 1000 Seeds Weight in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 124 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM of Best % improvementGene Id LSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 0.02 B0.02 B MAB14 0.02 B 0.03 A 32 MAB19 0.02 B 0.03 A 27 MAB2 0.02 B 0.03 A24 MAB6 0.03 A 0.03 A 53 Table 124; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 125 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM of Best % improvementGene Id LSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 0.02 B0.02 B MAB20 0.02 A* 0.02 A 17 MAB25 0.02 B 0.02 A 20 MAB6 0.02 A* 0.02A 21 MAB7 0.02 B 0.02 A 21 MAB9 0.02 B 0.02 A 19 Table 125; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 126 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl % LSM % improvement of Bestimprovement LSM of best event event Significance of best event GUI 0.02B 0.02 B MAB100 0.02 B 0.02 A 28 MAB134 0.02 B 0.02 A 26 MAB17 0.02 B0.02 A 23 MAB18 0.02 B 0.02 A 17 MAB32 0.02 B 0.02 A 13 MAB4 0.02 B 0.02A 19 MAB46 0.02 B 0.02 A 18 MAB99 0.02 B 0.02 A 15 Table 126; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 127-129 depict analyses of Seed Yield per Plant in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 127 Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM of Best % improvementGene Id LSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 0.07 B0.07 B MAB44 0.11 B 0.22 A 210 MAB50 0.11 B 0.19 A 170 Table 127; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 128 Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM of Best % improvementGene Id LSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 0.09 B0.09 B MAB6 0.11 A* 0.21 A 142 MAB9 0.09 B 0.14 A 59 Table 128; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 129 Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM % of Best improvementGene Id LSM Significance event Significance of best event GUI 0.14 B0.14 B MAB1 0.19 A 0.33 A 139 MAB100 0.17 B 0.24 A 79 Table 129; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Table 130 depicts analyses of Harvest Index in plants overexpressing thepolynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter.Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independentevents per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A,B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 130 Harvest Index 80 mM NaCl LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance of best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB250.16 B 0.26 A 139 MAB44 0.20 A* 0.30 A 174 MAB7 0.12 B 0.29 A 172 Table130; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

Tables 131-140 depict analyses of Rosette Area in plants overexpressingthe polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 131 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day5 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.37 B 1.37 B MAB1 1.43 B 1.80 A 31 MAB91.32 B 1.74 A 27 Table 131; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 132 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day8 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 4.73 B 4.73 B MAB1 4.95 B 6.45 A 36 Table132; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 133 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day10 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance of best event GUI 8.45 B 8.45 B MAB1 8.87 B 11.11 A31 Table 133; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 134 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day3 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.65 B 1.65 B MAB1 2.09 A 2.27 A 37 MAB361.65 B 2.58 A 56 MAB7 1.83 B 2.81 A 70 Table 134; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 135 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day5 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 2.93 B 2.93 B MAB1 3.60 A* 3.78 A* 29MAB36 2.91 B 4.55 A 55 MAB7 3.14 B 4.69 A 60 Table 135; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 136 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day8 from planting LSM of Best % improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 7.73 B 7.73 B MAB1 9.77 A 10.58 A 37MAB36 8.05 B 12.12 A 57 MAB7 8.69 B 12.82 A 66 Table 136; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 137 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day3 from planting LSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 0.55 B 0.55 B MAB1 0.58 B 0.81 A 47MAB100 0.60 B 0.74 A 34 MAB15 0.65 A* 0.90 A 64 MAB17 0.55 B 0.85 A 55Table 137; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 138 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day5 from planting LSM % of Best improvement Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance of best event GUI 1.03 B 1.03 B MAB1 1.17 B 1.54 A 49MAB100 1.18 B 1.46 A 42 MAB15 1.23 A 1.67 A 62 MAB17 1.01 B 1.59 A 54Table 138; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 139 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day8 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance best event GUI 2.09 B 2.09 B MAB1 2.46 B 3.43 A 64MAB100 2.29 B 2.81 A 34 MAB15 2.60 A 3.63 A 73 MAB17 2.06 B 3.35 A 60Table 139; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 140 Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normal conditions, Day10 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance best event GUI 4.81 B 4.81 B MAB1 5.57 A* 8.29 A 72MAB15 5.72 A 8.05 A 67 MAB17 4.78 B 7.50 A 56 Table 140; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 141-148 depict analyses of Rosette Diameter in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 141 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 8 from plantingSignifi- LSM of Signifi- % improvement Gene Id LSM cance Best eventcance of best event GUI 3.52 B 3.52 B MAB1 3.58 B 4.17 A 18 Table 141;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 142 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 3 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 2.28 B 2.28 B MAB36 2.23 B 2.91 A 28 MAB7 2.47 B 3.11 A36 Table 142; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 143 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions 5 from planting LSM of% Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance bestevent GUI 2.99 B 2.99 B MAB7 3.24 B 4.08 A 36 Table 143; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 144 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 8 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 5.00 B 5.00 B MAB1 5.65 A* 5.87 A* 17 MAB7 5.06 B 6.32 A26 Table 144; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 145 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 3 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 1.30 B 1.30 B MAB15 1.48 A 1.69 A 30 MAB17 1.33 B 1.60 A23 Table 145; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 146 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 5 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 1.87 B 1.87 B MAB1 1.86 B 2.21 A 18 MAB15 1.96 B 2.29 A22 MAB17 1.78 B 2.26 A 21 Table 146; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 147 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 8 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 2.49 B MAB1 2.60 B 3.14 A 26 MAB15 2.64 B 3.17 A 27 MAB172.39 B 3.09 A 24 Table 147; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 148 Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions, Day 10 from plantingLSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSM Significance event Significancebest event GUI 3.49 B 3.49 B MAB1 3.88 A* 4.81 A 38 MAB15 3.78 B 4.52 A29 MAB17 3.53 B 4.45 A 27 Table 148; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 149-157 depict analyses of Leaf Average Area in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 149 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B MAB1 0.17 B0.21 A 27 Table 149; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 150 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.51 B 0.51 B MAB1 0.52 B0.69 A 35 Table 150; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 151 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 3 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.51 B 0.51 B MAB1 0.52 B0.69 A 35 GUI 0.19 B 0.19 B MAB1 0.25 A 0.27 A 38 MAB36 0.20 B 0.31 A 58MAB7 0.23 A* 0.33 A 67 Table 151; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 152 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting Signifi- LSM of Signifi- % improvementGene Id LSM cance Best event cance of best event GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B MAB10.38 B 0.43 A 34 MAB36 0.32 B 0.46 A 43 MAB7 0.33 B 0.47 A 45 Table 152;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 153 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 B MAB36 0.69B 0.93 A 36 MAB7 0.79 B 1.17 A 71 Table 153; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 154 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 3 from planting LSM of % Best improvement of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB1 0.12 B0.15 A 28 MAB15 0.13 B 0.17 A 53 MAB17 0.11 B 0.15 A 34 Table 154; LSM =Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 155 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % Best improvement Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB10.17 B 0.21 A 26 MAB100 0.18 B 0.21 A 30 MAB15 0.18 A* 0.23 A 39 MAB170.16 B 0.22 A 35 Table 155; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 156 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting Signifi- LSM of Signifi- % improvementGene Id LSM cance Best event cance of best event GUI 0.24 B 0.24 B MAB10.28  A* 0.37 A 50 MAB15 0.29  A* 0.37 A 53 MAB17 0.25 B 0.34 A 40 Table156; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 157 Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 10 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene IdLSM Significance event Significance best event GUI 0.54 B 0.54 B MAB10.57 B 0.80 A 49 MAB15 0.59 B 0.78 A 45 MAB17 0.51 B 0.74 A 37 Table157; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

Tables 158-166 depict analyses of RGR Rosette Area [cm̂2] of plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 158 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 3 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 1.73 B 1.73 B MAB20 2.18B 3.62 A 109 MAB43 2.04 B 3.80 A 119 MAB50 2.25 B 3.81 A 120 Table 158;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 159 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.48 B 0.48 B MAB2 0.58 A* 0.70 A 45 MAB43 0.62 A 0.75 A 56 MAB6 0.52 B 0.72 A 50 Table 159;LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); Ameaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 160 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.84 B 0.84 B MAB50 0.87B 0.99 A 18 MAB6 0.87 B 1.06 A 26 Table 160; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 161 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 10 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene IdLSM Significance event Significance best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B MAB100.44 B 0.54 A 37 MAB36 0.45 B 0.51 A 30 MAB50 0.45  A* 0.53 A 35 MAB60.44 B 0.60 A 51 MAB7 0.43 B 0.50 A 27 Table 161; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 162 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B MAB20 0.38B 0.50 A 28 MAB25 0.39 B 0.53 A 38 Table 162; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 163 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.55 B 0.55 B MAB10 0.64 A* 0.71  A* 30 MAB2 0.63  A* 0.70 A 28 MAB20 0.63  A* 0.67  A* 21 MAB250.64 A 0.73 A 32 MAB44 0.65 A 0.77 A 41 MAB50 0.70 A 0.83 A 51 MAB6 0.63 A* 0.81 A 48 MAB7 0.61 B 0.73 A 34 MAB9 0.60 B 0.69 A 26 Table 163; LSM= Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 164 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % improvement Best Sig- of GeneId LSM Significance event nificance best event GUI 0.45 B 0.45 B MAB130.63 A 0.68  A* 49 MAB32 0.50 B 0.74 A 64 MAB46 0.52 B 0.75 A 65 MAB1460.64 A 0.88 A 94 MAB99 0.52 B 0.73 A 61 Table 164; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 165 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSMSignificance event Significance best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B MAB1 0.36 B0.45 A 31 MAB99 0.33 B 0.43 A 28 Table 165; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 166 RGR of Rosette Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2] Normalconditions, Day 10 from planting LSM of % improvement Sig- Best Sig- ofGene Id LSM nificance event nificance best event GUI 0.66 B 0.66 B MAB130.73 B 0.81 A 23 MAB3_GA 0.70 B 0.85 A 29 MAB32 0.70 B 0.86 A 31 MAB990.68 B 0.82 A 25 Table 166; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 167-175 depict analyses of RGR of Rosette Diameter in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 167 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 3 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance best event GUI 0.43 B 0.43 B MAB50 0.70  A* 1.50 A 251 MAB60.45 B 1.21 A 183 Table 167; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 168 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 5 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB10 0.19  A* 0.21  A* 28MAB19 0.20 A 0.23 A 45 MAB36 0.18 B 0.21 A 32 MAB50 0.17 B 0.23 A 42MAB6 0.18 B 0.25 A 57 MAB7 0.18 B 0.24 A 52 Table 168; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 169 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 8 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance best event GUI 0.25 B 0.25 B MAB10 0.28 A 0.30 A 19 MAB140.27 B 0.31 A 23 MAB19 0.28 A 0.32 A 29 MAB2 0.27 B 0.30 A 21 MAB20 0.27B 0.29 A 18 MAB36 0.27  A* 0.32 A 28 MAB43 0.25 B 0.26 B 5 MAB44 0.26 B0.30 A 21 MAB50 0.27 B 0.30 A 21 MAB7 0.28  A* 0.29 A 17 MAB9 0.27  A*0.30 A 20 Table 169; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 170 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 10 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B MAB19 0.19  A* 0.23 A 31 MAB20.20 A 0.23 A 32 MAB20 0.19 A 0.23 A 33 MAB43 0.19 B 0.21 A 24 MAB440.18 B 0.22 A 25 MAB50 0.20 A 0.23 A 32 MAB6 0.19  A* 0.24 A 42 MAB90.18 B 0.21 A 25 Table 170; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 171 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 5 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of Gene Id LSM Significance eventSignificance best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB50 0.19 B 0.22 A 42 MAB60.15 B 0.24 A 49 Table 171; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 172 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 10 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Best of best Gene Id LSM Significanceevent Significance event GUI 0.22 B 0.22 B MAB2 0.26  A* 0.28 A 27 MAB200.26 B 0.30 A 33 MAB25 0.26  A* 0.29  A* 31 MAB43 0.24 B 0.29 A 29 MAB440.25 B 0.29 A 31 Table 172; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement =compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 173 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 3 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Signif- Best of best Gene Id LSM icanceevent Significance event GUI 0.29 B 0.29 B MAB100 0.37  A* 0.51 a 74MAB13 0.38 A 0.58 A 95 MAB15 0.36 A 0.45 A 54 MAB18 0.36  A* 0.38  A* 28MAB3_GA 0.43 A 0.60 A 105 MAB35 0.39 A 0.44 A 50 MAB46 0.31 B 0.49 A 65MAB146 0.35 A 0.44 A 50 Table 173; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 174 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 8 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Sig- Best of best Gene Id LSM nificanceevent Significance event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB1 0.13  A* 0.16 A 49 MAB130.13  A* 0.16 A 41 MAB18 0.14 A 0.16 A 45 MAB32 0.13 B 0.15 A 39 MAB1460.16 A 0.19 A 72 MAB99 0.12 B 0.15 A 40 Table 174; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 175 RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions, Day 10 fromplanting LSM of % improvement Sig- Best of best Gene Id LSM nificanceevent Significance event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MAB1 0.25 A 0.27 A 30 MAB170.24 A 0.26  A* 25 MAB18 0.25 A 0.31 A 51 MAB35 0.25 A 0.28 A 36 MAB1460.25 A 0.28 A 36 MAB99 0.24 A 0.29 A 44 Table 175; LSM = Least squaremean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. TheSEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 176-178 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm̂2] inplants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under theregulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 176 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2]Normal conditions, Day 10 from planting LSM of % improvement Best ofbest Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 BMAB10 0.35 B 0.52 A 56 MAB36 0.40 B 0.52 A 55 MAB7 0.37 B 0.50 A 49Table 176; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 177 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2]Normal conditions, Day 10 from planting LSM of % improvement Best ofbest Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 BMAB10 0.47 A 0.51  A* 35 MAB2 0.41 B 0.49 A 29 MAB25 0.43 B 0.55 A 44MAB50 0.47 A 0.53 A 41 MAB7 0.45  A* 0.50  A* 31 MAB9 0.43 B 0.54 A 41Table 177; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

TABLE 178 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2]Normal conditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % improvement Sig- Best ofbest Gene Id LSM nificance event Significance event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 BMAB13 0.34  A* 0.39  A* 70 MAB146 0.35  A* 0.50 A 117 MAB99 0.26 B 0.44A 89 Table 178; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to theGene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided inTable 3 above.

Tables 179-180 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm̂2] inplants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under theregulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independentexperiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected bysame letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from thecontrol.

TABLE 179 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2]Normal conditions, Day 5 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of bestGene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.31 B 0.31 BMAB19 0.35 B 0.48 A 56 MAB43 0.39 B 0.52 A 70 MAB6 0.28 B 0.50 A 62Table 179; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 180 RGR of Mean (Leaf Average Area [cm{circumflex over ( )}2]Normal conditions, Day 8 from planting LSM of % improvement Best of bestGene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 BMAB14 0.72 B 0.92 A 32 MAB6 0.69 B 0.96 A 38 Table 180; LSM = Leastsquare mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaningsignificant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P< 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id)which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3above.

Tables 181-182 depict analyses of Plot Dry weight (DW) in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 181 Dry Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM of % improvement Best ofbest Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 7.75 B 7.75 BMAB36 10.37  A* 13.21 A 71 Table 181; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 182 Dry Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM of % improvement Best ofbest Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 5.23 B 5.23 BMAB1 6.81 A 8.09 A 55 MAB13 6.08 B 7.61 A 45 MAB18 6.10 B 8.18 A 56MAB99 6.51  A* 8.42 A 61 Table 182; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 183-185 depict analyses of 1000 Seeds Weight in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 183 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM of % improvementBest of best Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.02B 0.02 B MAB19 0.02 B 0.03 A 23 MAB2 0.02 B 0.03 A 44 MAB20 0.02 A 0.04A 71 MAB36 0.02 B 0.03 A 24 MAB50 0.02 B 0.03 A 32 MAB6 0.02 B 0.03 A 22MAB9 0.02 A 0.02 A 19 Table 183; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 184 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions Signifi- LSM ofSignifi- % improvement Gene Id LSM cance Best event cance of best eventGUI 0.02 B  0.02 B MAB20 0.02 A* 0.02 A 17 MAB6 0.02 A* 0.02 A 21 Table184; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI);A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significantdifferent at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according tothe Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are providedin Table 3 above.

TABLE 185 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM of % improvementSig- Best of best Gene Id LSM nificance event Significance event GUI0.02 B 0.02 B MAB100 0.02 B 0.02 A 23 MAB17 0.02 A 0.03 A 33 MAB18 0.02B 0.02 A 18 MAB35 0.02 B 0.02 A 28 MAB46 0.02 A 0.02 A 21 MAB99 0.02 A0.03 A 37 Table 185; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare tocontrol (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 186-187 depict analyses of Seed Yield per Plant in plantsoverexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulationof 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as thecontrol (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 186 Seed Yield per Plant [g] Normal conditions LSM of %improvement Best of best Gene Id LSM Significance event Significanceevent GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B MAB1 0.50 B 0.61 A 61 MAB10 0.46 B 0.59 A 53MAB14 0.50  A* 0.60 A 57 MAB36 0.52 A 0.68 A 77 MAB50 0.46 B 0.60 A 56Table 186; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control(GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaningsignificant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes(according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plantsare provided in Table 3 above.

TABLE 187 Seed Yield per Plant [g] Normal conditions % LSM ofimprovement Gene Id LSM Significance Best event Significance of bestevent GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B MAB1 0.41 A* 0.49 A 53 MAB13 0.43 A 0.55 A 69MAB18 0.39 B 0.49 A 53 MAB32 0.41 B 0.50 A 56 MAB35 0.41 A* 0.50 A 57MAB99 0.41 A* 0.51 A 57 Table 187; LSM = Least square mean; %improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant differentat P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ IDNOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which areexogenously expressed in the plants is provided in Table 3 above.

Table 188 depicts analyses of Harvest Index in plants overexpressing thepolynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter.Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independentevents per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A,B,) are significantly different from the control.

TABLE 188 Harvest Index Normal conditions LSM of % improvement Best ofbest Gene Id LSM Significance event Significance event GUI 0.48 B 0.48 BMAB17 0.46 B 0.62 A 28 Table 188; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement= compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05,A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of thecloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressedin the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Example 8 Transformation of Tomato M82 Plants with Putative ABST Genes

For the tomato transformation, tomato M82 seeds were previouslysterilized with Na-hipochloride 3%+2-3 drops of Tween 20 (Polysorbate20). Seeds were washed 3 times with distilled sterile water. Seeds werethen germinated in full strength Nitsch medium and germinated for 8 days8 days in growth room at 25° C. in the dark. Plantlets were then cutwith 2-4 cm stem and insert it into a 10-cm Petri dishes that werefilled with 30-40 ml of MS liquid medium. Cotyledons were then cut andused as explants and later transferred onto KCMS solidified medium with100 μM acetosyringone in a 10-cm Petri dish. Explants were inoculatedwith A. tumefascience for 30-50 minutes. Explants were co-cultivated for24 hours and transferred to regeneration media including Kanamycin asselection medium. The resistant regenerated plantlets were thentransferred into a rooting medium for 10-14 days until the appearance ofthe roots.

Example 9 Growth of M82 Tomato Transformed Plants and PhenotypeCharacterizations

Experimental Procedures

Producing transgenic tomato plants—Plants were transformed as describedin Example 8, above. Following transformation, T1 M82 tomato plants weregrown until fruit set. T2 seeds have entered experiments to assessabiotic stress resistance.

Experimental Results

Assay 1—Tomato field trial under regular and water deficient regimes—Thetomato field trial was planned as a one source dripping irrigation(OSDI) system similar to a standard farmer field. Since water deficiencyis applied in a relatively uniform manner, it allows measuring theeffect of drought on small size populations of plants. The OSDI methodwas developed on the basis of the line source sprinklers irrigationsystem (Hanks et al. 1976 Soil Sci. Soc Am. J. 40 p. 426-429) with somesignificant modifications. Instead of sprinkler irrigation, drippingirrigation was used. In order to create a uniform and deep wet layer (atleast 60 cm depth), and not the onion shape layer that is typicallycreated by dripping irrigation, a low pressure compensating drippingirrigation system was used. This system enables to supply small amountsof water in a relatively long time frame. The drought stress field trialwas performed in light soil, in an open field (net-house) near Rehovot,Israel. Between 4 to 5 events are been evaluated for each gene and thenull segregating populations are used as negative controls. During thefirst three weeks all plants were grown in a nursery under normalirrigation conditions. After this period, plants were transplantedaccording to commercial growth protocol, maintaining a 30 cm distancebetween plants reaching a total density of 2,600 plants per 1000 sq. m(the recommended density in commercial growth). Each plant wastransplanted near a water dripper and further subjected to two differenttreatments:

Optimal (100%): optimal irrigation conditions (100%). Irrigation wasapplied every 2 days as a standard recommended water supply. Standardrecommended water supply is the amount applied by local commercialgrowers according to standard protocols.

Severe Stress (50%): 50% of the optimal amount of water irrigation wasapplied once a day (at same time as regular irrigation is applied)

All fertilizers were applied according to local standard protocols.Nitrogen was equally applied, as recommended, to all the treatmentsthrough the irrigation system. Each row, 193 cm wide, contained twodripping irrigation lines creating coverage of six drippers per 1 sq. m.The irrigation control was performed separately for each treatment. Theexperiment was structured in a four randomized block design, eightplants per plot. The different water regimes were initiated only fourweeks three transplantation, when plants initiated the flowering stage.Water availability in the soil was recorded using tensiometers (used todetermine matric water potential Ψm which allows to evaluate the stresssevereness).

Assay 2—Tomato salt bath experiment—Transgenic tomato seeds are sown intrays containing growth denitrified media. Seedlings are germinatedunder nursery conditions. The experimental model used was 3 blocksrandom distributed, where 10 plants per events were sown in each block.At the stage of first true leaf, trays are transferred to different“tanks” containing growth solution of 300 mM NaCl. For normal treatment,a full Hoagland solution was applied. 5 events for each gene areevaluated while null segregating populations are used as negativecontrols. The experiment is performed for a period of 8 weeks, whereparameters such as chlorophyll content (measured as SPAD units), plantbiomass (FW and DW) are measured.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

References Cited (Additional references are Cited Hereinabove)

-   1. World Wide Web (dot) fao (dot) org/ag/agl/agll/spush/degrad (dot)    htm.-   2. World Wide Web (dot) fao (dot)    org/ag/agl/aglw/watermanagement/introduc (dot) stm.-   3. McCue K F, Hanson A D (1990). Drought and salt tolerance: towards    understanding and application. Trends Biotechnol 8: 358-362.-   4. Flowers T J, Yeo Ar (1995). Breeding for salinity resistance in    crop plants: where next? Aust J Plant Physiol 22:875-884.-   5. Nguyen B D, Brar D S, Bui B C, Nguyen T V, Pham L N, Nguyen H T    (2003). Identification and mapping of the QTL for aluminum tolerance    introgressed from the new source, ORYZA RUFIPOGON tariff., into    indica rice (Oryza sativa L.). Theor Appl Genet. 106:583-93.-   6. Sanchez A C, Subudhi P K, Rosenow D T, Nguyen H T (2002). Mapping    QTLs associated with drought resistance in sorghum (Sorghum    bicolor L. Moench). Plant Mol Biol. 48:713-26.-   7. Quesada V, Garcia-Martinez S, Piqueras P, Ponce M R, Micol J L    (2002). Genetic architecture of NaCl tolerance in Arabidopsis. Plant    Physiol. 130:951-963.-   8. Apse M P, Blumwald E (2002). Engineering salt tolerance in    plants. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 13:146-150.-   9. Rontein D, Basset G, Hanson A D (2002). Metabolic engineering of    osmoprotectant accumulation in plants. Metab Eng 4:49-56-   10. Clough S J, Bent A F (1998). Floral dip: a simplified method for    Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant    J 16:735-43.-   11. Desfeux C, Clough S J, Bent A F (2000). Female reproductive    tissues are the primary target of Agrobacterium-mediated    transformation by the Arabidopsis floral-dip method. Plant Physiol    123:895-904.

1. A method of increasing abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, growthrate, vigor and/or yield of a plant, the method comprising expressingwithin the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptidecomprising an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to the aminoacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:219, 201,207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391, 1655, 961-1529, and1660-1663, thereby increasing the abiotic stress tolerance, biomass,growth rate, vigor and/or yield of the plant.
 2. The A method of claim1, wherein said polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:219, 201, 207, 212, 202-206,208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663. 3-4.(canceled)
 5. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acidsequence at least 80% identical to the nucleic acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531,1562, 1533, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552,1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668,1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200,1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.
 6. The isolated polynucleotide of claim 5,wherein said nucleic acid sequence is selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1549, 1665,1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548,1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565,1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and1656-1659.
 7. A nucleic acid construct comprising the isolatedpolynucleotide of claim 5 and a promoter for directing transcription ofsaid nucleic acid sequence.
 8. An isolated polypeptide, comprising anamino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:219, 201, 207, 212,202-206, 208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.9. The isolated polypeptide of claim 8, wherein said amino acid sequenceis selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:219, 201, 207, 212,202-206, 208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.10. A plant cell comprising an exogenous polypeptide comprising an aminoacid sequence at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:219, 201, 207, 212,202-206, 208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.11. The plant cell of claim 10, wherein said exogenous polypeptidecomprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs:219, 201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-218, 220, 221-391,1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.
 12. A plant cell comprising an exogenouspolynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%homologous to the nucleic acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538,1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666,1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550,1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653,392-960, and 1656-1659.
 13. The plant cell of claim 12, wherein saidexogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531,1562, 1533, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552,1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668,1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200,1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein saidexogenous polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554,1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559,1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667,1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659. 15.The plant cell of claim 10, wherein said polynucleotide is selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1538, 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562,1533, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553,1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539,1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653,392-960, and 1656-1659. 16-17. (canceled)
 18. The plant cell of claim10, wherein said plant cell forms a part of a plant.
 19. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the abiotic stress is selected from the groupconsisting of salinity, drought, water deprivation, low temperature,high temperature, heavy metal toxicity, anaerobiosis, nutrientdeficiency, nutrient excess, atmospheric pollution and UV irradiation.20. The method of claim 1, further comprising growing the plantexpressing said exogenous polynucleotide under the abiotic stress.
 21. Anucleic acid construct comprising the isolated polynucleotide of claim 6and a promoter for directing transcription of said nucleic acidsequence.
 22. The plant cell of claim 12, wherein said plant cell formsa part of a plant.
 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the abiotic stressis selected from the group consisting of salinity, drought, waterdeprivation, low temperature, high temperature, heavy metal toxicity,anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, atmosphericpollution and UV irradiation.
 24. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising growing the plant expressing said exogenous polynucleotideunder the abiotic stress.